The Brighton Centre, December 7th

A LOT has changed for The National since they first played in our city, when they played to a few dozen people within The Prince Albert.

In fact, a lot has changed for the band since the last time they played here at the beginning of this decade, as they have transitioned from critical darlings of the indie world to playing the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury and having their albums debut at number one on the charts..

So there was much excitement generated when it became apparent that the band would kick off the UK leg of their world tour with a performance at the Brighton Centre.

Singer Matt Berninger and the musicians that stand alongside him on stage look like they could instead be a mixture of Uni lecturers and middle management rather than a band prepared to play a two-hour long set to an expectant audience.

But despite their bookish appearance, The National are a band that could teach those just starting out a thing or two about longevity and building a loyal and dedicated following.

Formed in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the late 90s, the band have released a string of excellent albums that have not only been critically acclaimed but that have deeply connected with individuals across the globe.

Tonight’s performance only serves as further evidence that The National never were a band to trade on cheap gimmicks, nor rely on creating one song that’ll propel them to wider stardom.

Their varied set is filled with tales of love and woe, one which dives deep into their vast back catalogue; from their 2005 album Alligator right through to this year’s I Am Easy to Find.

So what we see and hear tonight is a two-hour long set that doesn’t disappoint, and which swerves its way from the quieter piano led Oblivions and the melancholy filled Light Years to faster and slightly more aggressive alternative rock of Day I Die.

For those lucky enough to have been present it will live long in their memories.

But all will be fervently hoping that there’s not another nine-year wait until they resurface in our fair city.

Nathan Westley