The National Tickets

I have come to love The National within the last year and this was my first chance to see them live. The band apparently had not played live in some time, and there were definite kinks in the live performance (too much feedback, way too often), but they brought a ton of energy and....drunken antics. The antics were courtesy of front man Matt Berninger, who at one point busted the mic stand and almost flung it into the crowd. Don't get me wrong, I thought this actually added to the show, not musically, but it certainly was entertaining to watch. The brass and instruments sounded pretty good (absent the feedback) and overall they were great to watch. And Berninger really puts everything into it. Hoping that they play a better venue next time.

I've been a fan of their music for awhile. Never saw them live. They were amazing - beyond all expectations. So many musicians on stage - yet the were very tight and cohesive, and really rocked at the end and did not disappoint at all.

Last show of their current tour and they did a great job. I had seen them twice before in opening roles, so this was the first time I had seen them give a solo show and they let it all out. Seen them 3 times now and I can truthfully say they are getting better each time.

This Brooklyn-based quintet is easily recognized by their manner as originally from the Midwest---Ohio to be specific. Although now signed on the Beggar’s Banquet label, they retain an offbeat, creative, indie style. They came on stage joined by a small brass section bringing their number to nine and opened with a truly beautiful number in the unmistakable signature sound that The National has made its own--- warm, melodious, thoughtful and original. Then, without interruption went right into “Start a War,” beloved by their fans who were clearly anticipating it. The audience of mainly clean-cut collegians was surprisingly interspersed with many white-haired elders. This is music with appeal to a variety of tastes. Front man Matt Berninger--- lanky, casual, in a tie and suit ---was the perfect image of an intellectual grad student. His smooth baritone vocals usually deliver the introspective, poetic lyrics in a halting, conversational style. It soon became clear however that this night they intended to perform heavy, super-charged versions of their hits. Although The National is identified with a mellow, soft-rock style, on this occasion they raised the tempo and the decibel level, aided by a massive baritone sax, a trombone and a trumpet which accompanied the electric guitar-based regulars, imparting an ultra-heavy, deep bass quality to such ordinarily sedate songs as “Slow Show” and “City Middle.” Long and hard-rocking instrumental interludes grew into oscillating, reverberating crescendos of rhythmic feedback. The rapidly paced “Abel” transformed into a furious, driving anthem. Berninger’s casual attire and demeanor became increasingly rowdy, as he and the songs underwent a kind of Jekyll-and-Hyde transformation into vehement hard rockers. The well-behaved crowd held back from an unruly behavior. The only thing that resembled a mosh pit was on stage, where Berninger wantonly flailed both himself and his sound equipment around. Some new songs were mingled in, but most of the set came from the two great albums, “Alligator” and “Boxer.” After about 15 songs, which included “Secret Meeting” and “Squalor Victoria,” they took a brief break but were promptly pulled back on stage by the enthusiastic audience for another set of three or four encores, among which was the agitated and catchy “Mr. November.” Exhausted and drenched in sweat, Berninger smashed his mike, and they closed the show with fond farewells to the audience.

Fifth or Sixth time I've seen this band and every time is unforgettable. They are so seasoned and really rock out. The albums, as amazing as they are, cannot compete with their live performances. Electric factory is always a good time as well. Next time I'll know better about the tailgating just down the block -- that really coulda been awesome had we been better prepared.

Of all the shows I have seen this year... The National was by far the best. The opening act was so unique and held it's own against The National... but this band was excellent live!!!!! Very entertaining show!!!

Great set, great show, need I say more. Many songs are on youtube. Quality from bad to good but still the show from Atlanta.

The band sounded great. Very tight. Amazing performance. It's a shame they played The Electric Factory. That venue is the worst in PHL. Sound is terrible. Place is filthy. Layout of venue sucks.

I was skeptical going to see this indie band because I knew they're not that big just yet, but I've listened to them for a long time and have always loved them. I was pleasantly surprised. They played all their top songs, and they sounded amazing. It was well worth the money and time. I'm happy I went. They are incredibly talented and I hope they keep getting bigger.

I've been to many good shows in the past few years...from Death Cab for Cutie to Kings of Leon to Thrice to Jose Gonzalez to Feist. All have left me with an overall great feeling...live is the best way to experience music, especially if the band is a truly great band. The National are a great band. Seeing them at the Tabernacle (moved from Variety Playhouse) was spectacular to me...the venue itself is an experience. They really seemed to fit it perfectly. They played with such ease and enjoyment while at the same time being intense and provoking...it's hard to capture something so grand on CD. All in all i walked away with my mouth wide open, replaying moments in my mind, anxiously awaiting the next time they might play near me.

The National brougtht heir A-game to the Boston show. Their stage presence was phenominal and they sounded great. I would highly suggest that even casual fans see them in concert as they are true professionals.

Great show! good energy! We really enjoyed it. They sounded great!

The National delivers again. Yes, we know their tunes but the energy makes them even better live.

My first time in the new House of Blues and I was impressed. Spacious venue, excellent sound, and Guinness (canned, but still Guinness) available! Paradise! And the National was much rockier and intense live than on their CDs, so it was a great show. Looking forward to seeing Regina Spektor at the same location in September.

The National put on a show that resonated through me more than any of the cliche favorites (e.g. Coldplay). If you have any hesitation about seeing this show, give into the temptation and go. Word to the wise, though, do not bring a friend that isn't a fan. The National is an acquired taste not fit for the top 40 enthusiast.

This was my third time seeing The National live, and my fourth year being utterly devouted to their music... and I can genuinely say this show was THE BEST yet. Something all came together with the venue, the sounds, and the energy of these incredibly passionate and talented musicians. With an opening from a magical Colin Stetson who literally reinvented the saxaphone for the entire audience, and en encore that left me teary eyed... I will never, ever, foget that show. There was even a moment after 'Abel' where Matt turned to the Dessner's and said chuckling, "i think that was better than the album version." (it was). Their new, yet to be titled album, will be so worth the wait. Thanks House of Blues!

I saw the National play at Boston's new House of Blues this past May, and it was without a doubt one of the best concerts I've ever been to. They're amazing musicians and play one hell of a live show! There music is widely varied, with brilliant textural contrasts driven largely by their drummer (who's fantastic). If you like their music you'll love their live show.

Matt Berninger was nothing short of phenomenal at this show: he screamed, he ran across the stage, he made wild gestures, and, at one point, even jumped down into the crowd, singing among his fans, offering them his wine glass, and surprising everyone with his intense emotions in such open physical display. It was incredible!

They're music is epic. And in a place like the new House of Blues in Boston, their sounds echoed through my body and mind in a way that I had not felt while listening to them on my ipod. See them live - you'll love it.