The National is a Brooklyn-based indie rock band formed in 1999, by friends from Cincinnati, Ohio. Influences range from Bruce Springsteen to Tindersticks. The band's morose, self-deprecating lyrics are written and sung by Matt Berninger in a distinctive, deep baritone. The rest of band comprises two pairs of brothers; Aaron & Bryce Dessner and Scott & Bryan Devendorf. Padma Newsome, from sister band, Clogs, often contributes strings, keyboards, and other arrangements and instrumental flourishes.

The National are some friends and two pairs of brothers from Cincinnati, Ohio, who started making music in 1999 when they found themselves living near one another again in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Matt Berninger sings because he’s taller, blonder, and older than the rest - Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner and Scott Devendorf play guitar and bass, while Bryan Devendorf drums. Padma Newsome, who’s from Australia, has become a fairly permanent fixture too, and plays keyboards and violins and othe