SOUND BITES

Ever since their third record (2005's Alligator ) signaled an artistic, critical and popular breakthrough for The National, the venerated indie lite rockers have carefully straddled the line between progression and familiarity; new elements were slowly doled out over the course of the following records, and their sound has calmly evolved to the point where they sound like themselves whether they're pounding out an energetic new wave anthem or doing the emotional slow burn (for examples, see Bloodbuzz Ohio and Demons ). Sleep Well Beast , the group's seventh record, marks another seemingly small step for the band, as this time there are more colourful electronic flourishes through background keys and slowly building, simplistic beats (like the one on opening slow burner Nobody Else Will Be There ). Walk It Back , a sinister and tense epic, pushes synth to the front and calmly envelops it in supplementary sounds. There's also I'll Still Destroy You , which pulls ...

THE NATIONAL Demons From: Trouble Will Find Me Released: May 21 Now, years removed from the blog buzz that threatened to paint The National as a larger than life transcendent experience rather than just a very good band, excitement has been tempered and the band's work can be taken on its own merits. Trouble Will Find Me sees The National doing what they do best; packing in songs that may seem harmless and unassuming until they hit under just the right conditions. Then and only then, they can tear down and build a soul; a truly shining example like Demons is the musical equivalent of the night sky; we may take it for granted most of the time, but in the right circumstances it's majestic and awe-inspiring.