Matt Berninger of The National. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The National has long been a band that has gotten better with time. Much of it doing with the amazing and talented band’s dedication to the art. With back to back nights at Denver’s newest venue Mission Ballroom, Denver had a chance to witness the bands glory. We got a chance to attend the second night and were welcomed with a warm and happy set from ALVVAYS (one of our favorites), Molly Rankin and company ripped through their set playing fan friendly hits such as “Dreams Tonite” and “In Undertow”.

We have had a chance to cover The National on many occasions and they have always delivered with an amazing production in the past. On this tour the stage was flanked by three large LED boards displaying various imagery including shots of the band backstage getting ready to take the stage.

The band played all new material with a few classics towards the end. Their latest album I Am Easy To Find has been getting rave reviews and fans got a chance to listen to those songs live for the first time. The reception was welcomed with cheers and applause as songs such as “Quiet Light”, “Oblivions” and “Hey Rosey” rang through the venue as the lighting gave life to each song.

Words and images: Robert Castro

The National (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Often times we witness performances that are perfectly balanced between the subtle genre of the music and the intimate setting of a venue. For a band like The National, who many people put into the indie-alternative genre playing a venue like Red Rocks couldn't be anymore perfect. A band whose music echoes through meaningful lyrics and carefully orchestrated well balanced production. Matt Berninger and company have been doing this for years now, a band well established and with several accolades to back them up. Sunday night was the perfect setting for a show that I can easily consider one of the top three shows I have seen at the venue.

As the house lights dimmed the opening sounds of The Smiths "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want.." blared through the venue. The band ripped right into "Don't Swallow The Cap", an uneasy Berninger paced up and down between the song, almost as if he was nervous or looking for perfection from his bandmates. In fact he stormed off stage right after the first song only to make it right back for the opening chords of "Bloodbuzz Ohio". After the nerves settled the band played through their catalog of fan favorites. We even got a dose of some newer songs that band has yet to released. Judging from the response the songs would be a welcomed addition to their new album. Sounding a bit different from their older material the newer songs gave off a electro-type feel to it especially on the intro to "Find A Way", and "Sometimes I Don't Think".

Aaron Dessner of The National (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Other notable favorites included "Fake Empire", which sounded perfect in the historic venue. The band wrapped up their set with a five song encore including "Mr. November", which had the biggest crowd participation, "Terrible Love", "Prom Song 13th Century (Frankie & Johnny)", and band staple "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks".

Click here for more photos from The National at Red Rocks

C lick here for more photos from The National at Red Rocks