THE NATIONAL (London Roundhouse, 26/06/13)
 

In contrast to popular opinion, I've not been that much of the fan of the last two National abums, believing them to be pale retreads of “Boxer” and “Alligator”. That said, this was the best show of theirs I've seen in years. Maybe it was the visuals, maybe it was the soundmix, but for once I found myself actually enjoying the non-Bloodbuzz material from High Violet, and of course I'll never tire of hearing “Fake Empire,” “Abel” and “Apartment Story” live. Local Natives were also pretty impressive in support- always wrote them off as a vapid hype band, but them kids have some decent musical chops. Top stuff.

(Photo: Fiona Petch)