Nacional @ Tut’s 08-01-10

NACIONAL
King Tut’s, Glasgow, January 8 * * *

The last couple of years have seen Glasgow-based five-piece Nacional start to make a name for itself. A much-prized invite to SXSW, a prestigious spot on the Glastonbury bill and an endorsement from Elbow’s Guy Garvey have all helped raise the band’s profile.
It’s set them up nicely for the release of their debut album which should see the light of day within the next few months. However distinguishing themselves from the hordes of similar guitar-bands currently plying their trade will be a challenge, especially if tonight’s set is anything to go by.
That’s not to say they didn’t show promise during the course of their hour-long set. Telephone’s jittery vibe and stop-start rhythm easily made up for run-of-the-mill opener Yorkshire while the influence of The National, and more specifically Abel, on Roll My Eyes added a real sense of urgency and intensity.
Throughout however it was Robert Armstrong’s less than convincing vocals that did the most damage. Lacking power and that indefinable quality that makes you hang on a singer’s every word, his delivery felt restrained and at times devoid of emotion.
Joined by a string quartet for the last few songs, the quintet rounded off a hit and miss set with First/Second Killing – the trickle of applause received on its conclusion telling its own story.