The National - Dont Swallow The Cap

Review by Carolyn Evans-Hale

The National's latest album, "Don't Swallow the Cap," is a triumph of melancholic indie rock. With its introspective lyrics and moody instrumentation, the album is a testament to the band's ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in their music.

From the opening track, "I Should Live in Salt," the album sets a tone of introspection and emotional depth that persists throughout its 12 tracks. The band's signature sound, with its slow-burning guitars and pulsating drums, is on full display, but there is a new sense of urgency and energy that permeates the album.

The lyrics on "Don't Swallow the Cap" are some of the most poignant and introspective that the band has ever written. Lead singer Matt Berninger's voice is as haunting and evocative as ever, and he delivers lines like "I have only two emotions / Careful fear and dead devotion" with a raw vulnerability that is impossible to ignore.

Despite its melancholic tone, the album is also marked by moments of hope and optimism. "Graceless," with its driving drums and soaring chorus, is a standout track that captures the band's ability to find beauty in even the darkest moments.

Summary by Carolyn Evans-Hale

"Don't Swallow the Cap" is a stunning achievement that showcases The National's ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. It is a must-listen for fans of indie rock and anyone who appreciates music that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.