The National

"Fake Empire"

If there was a number one contender for the most anticipated album you may never have known you were anticipating, Boxer, The National’s follow up to 2005’s Alligator would be it. If you’ve already felt bombarded by the onslaught of high-profile releases this year, you’re not alone. You can take comfort in the fact that the next release from this Brooklyn band will quietly make its way to the top of year-end polls without too much fuss or overexposure. The first track from the album, “Fake Empire” acts as the perfect opener and leaves the overly-dramatic intro for the bands with something to prove. “Stay out super late tonight, picking apples, making pie/Put a little something in our lemonade, and take it with us, we’re half awake in a fake empire” Matt Berninger sings in his usual smooth baritone. Although the song lazily accepts belonging to the culturally mislead, it’s somehow comforting instead of disconcerting. “Turn the light out, say goodnight, of thinking for a little while/Let’s not try to figure out everything at once.” It sounds a slacker’s excuse for lack of activism, but it may actually be an honest piece of advice.



Download >>Fake Empire