Boxer is one of the year's best

It's worth the fight to understand and appreciate this album.

By Lindsey Underwood

Published June 6, 2007

Money might not be the only asset invested by those who purchase The National's fourth album, Boxer. Similar to Alligator, the band's last album, fans might need to devote time and thought into approaching Boxer before recognizing the depth and talent conveyed in what is one of the year's best albums to date.

The unpretentious nature of The National is what allows each album to gradually open itself up to the individual. It is that same left of center attitude that makes the band unapproachable to many listeners. Boxer solves many of the problems that turned up in Alligator by creating an equally thought-provoking album, yet breaking from self-analysis to convey broader perspective on the world at large.

Boxer opens with simple piano chords and Matt Berninger's straightforward baritone in "Fake Empire." As soon as drummer Bryan Devendorf enters the song, it's clear the band retained some of the same energy from Alligator, but was able to refine some of the empty space, which distracted from the initial appeal of that album.

In this first track, the addition of each new instrument and element makes for an intensity built seamlessly and almost humbly. The band is able to take listeners on a walk of sorts, tricking them into believing they were going routinely around the block, but, unbeknownst to the listener, they are being led into an unfamiliar dark alley.

Throughout the album, Devendorf proves to be the major player who gives The National its unique energy. His rhythms transform the otherwise seemingly lackluster "Squalor Victoria" and "Guest Room" into some of the albums most interesting tracks.

"Mistaken For Strangers" is the album's closest resemblance to a "catchy song" with strong drumming from Devendorf and uncannily intimate lyrics from Berninger. The song contains the most full sound and passion on the album, and it creates nice energy in comparison with the late-night contemplative feel of the rest of the album.

Throughout the entire album, but particularly toward the middle with tracks such as "Apartment Story" and "Slow Show," Berninger shows his unique lyrical talent.

"Slow Show" has an intimacy different than the other tracks, as his self-consciousness is matched with the humble nature of the rest of the album. Throughout the track, he regretfully seeks affirmation, singing, "So you can put a blue ribbon on my brain/God, I'm very, very frightening/I'll overdo it."

Although the band is able to create something truly special, it's not without collaborations with artists such as touring-member Padma Newsome and acclaimed musician Sufjan Stevens.

The album is brought to a new height with these artists. Beringer's baritone juxtaposed with Stevens' piano playing in both "Racing Like a Pro" and "Ada" creates a completely new dynamic for the album and the band as a whole.

Boxer might seem like a stranger in the house after a comfortable relationship was finally grown with Alligator, but it is definitely worth it to give it a couple days. Sleep on it, and then determine whether it's worth the fight to understand and appreciate this album.