Despite the British summer doing what it does best – throwing more than a bit of rain into the mix – The National’s gig at the Crystal Palace Bowl was a night to remember.
Frontman Matt Berninger, with his deep, emotive voice and ‘unique’ stage presence, captivated the audience right from the start of the opening number, Runaway. There’s something about his performance that feels raw and intimate, even in a crowd of thousands. You could see he was feeding off the energy – and occasionally, bizarrely, and quite literally, the hair – of the fans. Because what better way to defeat the rain than pairing with a good ol’ fashioned blast of atmospheric and intricate indie rock?
Highlights of the night included a powerful rendition of Bloodbuzz Ohio, which had the entire crowd chanting ‘I still owe money, to the money I owe’. It’s easy to see why The National have managed to sustain such a sky-high career in an age where lesser bands are struggling to maintain their momentum: the new tracks from their latest albums, Laugh Track and First Two Pages of Frankenstein were as well-received as their older hits, with fans reacting just as viscerally to the likes of Eucalyptus as they did to any of The Classics that were aired throughout the course of the evening.
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And it’s worth noting that the Crystal Palace Bowl, with its iconic floating stage, was a cracking choice for the venue.
Nestled in the lush greenery of Crystal Palace Park, it offered a picturesque backdrop that only added to the evening’s magic. Even the intermittent showers couldn’t wash away the charm of this open-air setting. Ponchos became part of the ensemble, and in true British fashion, everyone just got on with it, making the most of the experience.
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All in all, The National at the Crystal Palace Bowl was an amazing night.
The venue, the band, and the indomitable spirit of the fans combined to create a gig that’ll be talked about for ages. Rain or shine, The National know how to deliver a show that leaves you wanting more.
