There’s much fuss about how “everyone” says The National is boring, stagnant, and/or essentially comprised of reanimated bourgeois corpses. I don’t know who’s actually saying this, though, because Trouble Will Find Me is both a critical and commercial success, and with good reason. Lead U.S. single “Don’t Swallow the Cap” treads some new sonic territory, verging into Krautrock, but shows lyricist and frontman Matt Berninger in classic form. Vague emotions and swoon-worthy baritone combine in another archetypal, excellent National song. A representative lead-off into another wonderful album, it will be a true treat when they come to Madison this fall. 

About The Author

Avatar photo

Megan Thilmony was a contributing writer to Jonk Music in 2013.