THE NATIONAL The Academy, Glasgow, August 24 * * * *

It’s been 15 months since The National hit the road to promote their break-through album High Violet. Tonight they played their last headline show on European soil for “a long time” and judging by what was at times a sluggish and fairly routine performance, the Brooklyn quintet could do with a rest.

Tonight they showed glimpses of what they’re capable of, most notably during Abel, Mr November and the frenzied climax of Squalor Victoria. However poor sound and a lack of energy from the band, and in particular their usual driving-force frontman Matt Berninger, meant ultimately it was a solid rather than spectacular display.

Watch the Video for The National’s Abel

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