Live Review: The National

18 February 2014 | 10:09 am | Cate Summers

"The show lacked a certain intimacy that was present when the band played at the Enmore back in 2011, and at times it did feel more like a main stage at a festival."

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With the glistening harbour and the sun-kissed sails of the Opera House as a backdrop, Brooklynites The National took to the Opera House forecourt to create a spectacular two-hour dialogue to complement the breathtaking view.
Lead singer Matt Berninger cut quite the dapper figure in his spectacles and waistcoat as his sombre baritone filled the open space with a surprising intensity. From opener Don't Swallow The Cap, Berninger's vocals seamlessly extended to all extents of the audience, whether an almost inaudible murmur or a loud, anguished yell.
The National found their niche over a decade ago, creating music that documented the trials and tribulations of middle age. 'Underline everything/I'm a professional/In my beloved white shirt', Berninger mumbled on Squalor Victoria. Now, as proper 40-somethings with all the added bonuses like kids and houses, the band has finally hit their stride, engulfing their audience in a captivating, mundane romanticism.
Bloodbuzz Ohio was an early crowd favourite, the latter half prompting an audience singalong, which felt oddly celestial considering the location. Likewise the heartbreakingly beautiful Graceless had the crowd swaying along in that slow, jelly-like way, exactly like you'd imagine at a National concert.
As breathtaking a setting as the Forecourt was, there was definitely a feeling at times of a quantity over quality mentality, and there seemed to be a lack of respect for both the venue and the band at times. The show lacked a certain intimacy that was present when the band played at the Enmore back in 2011, and at times it did feel more like a main stage at a festival.