The National: “Rome” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The National have always been the kings of moody misery, the soundtrack to every soul-searching pint and ill-advised text. For years, it’s felt like they’ve been whispering, “We’re not worthy” while quietly dominating the indie scene.
This is the album fans have been waiting for.
It’s as if they’ve come out of the shadows and have grown massively in self-confidence. This is the album the fans have been waiting for. One where the entire band steps up to the mark and puts in the kind of performance we’ve always known they were capable of.
“Rome” is a 21-track live album recorded at the Italian City's historic Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone. It’s a live set that comfortably includes some of The National’s best tracks from the past 25 years.
They kick off with the crowd-pleasing “Runaway”, then it steps up a gear with “Eucalyptus”. And if this isn’t the best version of “Don’t Swallow The Cap” they’ll ever perform, I’ll eat my hat.
It’s The National in full swing. Not quite in party mode, but they seem to be enjoying themselves on occasion. Careful now.
Stand-out tracks: “I Need My Girl ”, “The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness ”, “Don’t Swallow The Cap”.
