SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE NATIONAL – ROME

THE NATIONAL
ROME
4AD

The National have had a busy few years, encompassing two albums, a well-received Glastonbury headline slot, and a much-needed return to the top table of indie rock.

This, then, doubles as a celebration of that re-ascension – it’s a crystal clear, energetic document of The National’s live set, encompassing cuts from their entire discography, and it’s all the better for it, with some deeper cuts like “Lit Up” receiving an incredible reception from the expectant audience.

As would be expected from any The National live show, it’s rough around the edges –   Matt Berninger’s rumbling, crashing baritone is somehow powerfully dominant and croakily fragile, whipping in and out of it’s own musical scale, particularly on the celebratory wildfire that’s “Mr. November” – but if you’re already here because you love them, then you know that almost comes priced in.

No one could fault the musicality; instrumentally, the band is sharp as a tack. On tracks like the dark lament of “I Need My Girl” both the setting and band combine to produce a true reverberating cacophony that amounts to a quasi-religious experience and gorgeous soundscape.

Ultimately, Rome reveals itself to hold the same majesty of the empire from whence its name came. It’s a love letter to those who worship at the altar of gloom-rock and the best live document you’re ever likely to get of the standard-bearers at their peak. You’ll laugh, cry, and party all at once…and that seems to be the point.

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