The National - Boxer

From the opening piano chords of ‘Fake Empire’ that ushers in perhaps the first four opening songs of an album this decade, it’s abundantly apparent you’re in the presence of something a little special. More restraint and warmer-sounding than 2005’s equally fantastic Alligator, Boxer shows a band in utter unison and confidently hitting their prime. One of the most gratifying word of mouth stories of the past couple of years, The National’s fourth record deservedly edged into the big time. (Padraic Halpin)