The National's new CD is spare, somber and sensational

If you're looking for some of the best in artfully gloomy indie-rock, then choose the National, whose doleful but compelling fifth album "High Violet" (*** out of four stars, out Tuesday on 4AD) is perfect for introspective shoe-gazers. Baritone Matt Berninger summons Jim Morrison, Nick Cave and Ian Curtis with his rumbling, low-range vocals, conveying dark moods with wounded authority.

Read full article Share article