In two years, The National are going to celebrate two decades of their existence and judging by their tempo of releasing albums, we might get another one by then. Sleep Well Beast is the seventh album of the band who was initially in the shadow of The Strokes and Interpol but then turned out to be more stable, more mature and more serious band. Although working on records triggered conflict between members, love for music was always stronger and it kept them all together. The constant in The National's discography is a specific style of music they have been nurturing ever since they appeared. Only when you listen carefully through their discography are you able to detect tiny discrepancies in textures. These nuanced differences is what makes The National one of the most elegant alternative indie acts out there.
The first important facet is Matt Berninger's songwriting faculty. He showcased his talent and complexity way back on their debut album, but he had strive to perfect it with metaphors and ambiguous articulation. His writing was also driven by intimate experiences, and his wife Carin Besser seems to be another constant of the band. It's as If Matt is writing her and their life. Sleep Well Beast is Matt's conflict resolution with all of his roles - father, husband, member of the band, citizen of United States. The other members are also confronting all of their roles, so it makes sense that the album cover shows all of them in the house in Long Pond. The house is also a studio where they recorded their latest album, and it serves as an allegory for life of the band, for marriage and for the country.
The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness simply had to be the first single from the album. Every system, every community and every individuum gain highest power in times of crisis. That doesn't mean that Sleep Well Beast is The National's best material, but that does not even matter now. What's certain is that The National dissects the spiritual and political situation of times and the country in which the album was created. Who is the beast here?
The album opens with typical melancholic baritone, while following Day I Die goes in different direction sonically but stays loyal to Matt's poetic penchant for autodestruction. Previously mentioned The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness seems crucial at the first listen until screaming Turtleneck comes along and reveals all the energy The National was keen on suppressing ever since Alligator. It is such a shame Matt doesn't scream on albums as often as he does on concerts.
I'll Still Destroy You another indicator of allegory, and obscure electronic tunes are emphasizing it. Playing with electronic elements is not as aggressive here as on some other indie bands' records, which only proves the greatness of the band. They scratch the trend without losing authenticity. Guilty Party is another example for it, although melodic line resembles Radiohead. Anyhow, the layers of this track keep you intrigued play after play.
Carin at the Liquor Store is an interesting role play as we all know Matt is the one who loves alcohol. Dark Side Of The Gym is the most emotional number in which we see all the love of the father and the husband - I'm gonna keep you in love with me for a while. Closing the album with the cover songs circles te whole concept very nicely.
To conclude, Sleep Well Beast is both a lullaby and a wake up call. Use it wisely.
