The National is an American indie rock band formed in 1999 in Cincinnati, Ohio, consisting of vocalist Matt Berninger, guitarists Aaron and Bryce Dessner, and bassist Scott Devendorf and drummer Bryan Devendorf. Known for their melancholic, introspective lyrics and lush, layered sound, The National has become one of the most acclaimed indie rock bands of the 21st century. Berninger’s deep baritone voice and poetic lyrics often explore themes of love, anxiety, and self-reflection, while the Dessner brothers' intricate guitar work gives the band a distinctive, atmospheric sound.
Their breakthrough album, Boxer (2007), brought widespread critical acclaim, and subsequent releases, including High Violet (2010) and Trouble Will Find Me (2013), solidified their place in indie rock. The band is also known for their intense, emotionally charged live performances. With a loyal fan base and a reputation for consistent, high-quality releases, The National continues to evolve musically, collaborating with other artists and exploring new directions in their sound.
