Whilst one eye is on the band's future, The National’s second headlining stint at All Points East was a greatest hits tour-de-force, showcasing the best of the band’s vast discography and in trademark fashion bringing a few friends along for the journey.

All Points East’s second Friday lineup is a who’s who of unconventional alternative rock. A rather thinned-out start to the day's proceedings (Friday was of course still a working day for many) sees Lucy Dacus powerfully take grasp of the festival's West stage. Scottish experimental and high-volume instrumentalists Mogwai stepped in towards the last minute for an unfortunate absence from Public Service Broadcasting due to health issues. Whilst they started their set to a worryingly modest crowd, it’s a testament to their artistry and expertise over the decades that onlookers and attendees soon flocked to witness their charged and high-volume performance. 

The main support for the evening was a rare appearance from acclaimed modern folk pioneer Robin Pecknold and his group Fleet Foxes. Their 2020 album ‘Shore’ was not just one of the finest albums to arrive during the pandemic, but one that managed to encapsulate the uneasiness, and anxiety as well as the optimism and hope that exuded during that period. Tonight it forms the basis of their West stage headline set. Pecknold leans on it heavily for a sensational and incredibly moving first three tracks. The delicate and floating instrumentation of ‘Waiding In Waist-High Water’ gently builds up a wave of anticipation. There’s a noticeable warmth from the crowd duly waiting for its crashing embrace. 

This is followed by the luscious pairing of ‘Sunblind’ and ‘Can I Believe You’, despite only being able to be performed in the UK a handful of times due to the pandemic, they’re greeted like long-held favourites. It leaves Pecknold looking like he’s conducting a campfire singalong due to his attire, calming aura and the strong essence of community and camaraderie the group are exuding.

It felt like a real treat to see Aaron Dessner appear on stage for a special performance of the pair's Big Red Machine collaboration ‘Phoneix’, expertly paving the way for the set's euphoric peak. Ageing like fine wine ‘Winter Wind Hymnal’ and ‘Mykonos’, despite their stance as two of the most beloved Folk tracks of the last couple of decades still feel fresh and invigorating, more so when bellowed jubilantly from a crowd of tens of thousands. 

This all set the stage for Friday's headlining appearance from beloved American indie-rock auteurs The National. Active as a group for almost 25 years and with a plethora of albums in their discography, they face the challenge now when approaching headline slots of balancing ‘the hits’ so to speak alongside deeper cuts for fans, newer material to introduce and still managing to keep max engagement with every show. Friday then was a masterclass and the closest the group has ever gotten to producing a ‘greatest hits’ set.

Approaching my fourth time watching the band in the last five years I can be confident saying the group have never seemed so at ease and chilled as a group and within themselves. Since the pandemic frontman Matt Berninger has certainly found an inner calmness, tuning down his sometimes erratic and high-wired behaviour. He now feels composed, still delivering his beautiful poetry to a devoted audience akin to Nick Cave but now perhaps with a little bit more Leonard Cohen in his delivery. 

The band also sound remarkably polished, despite a few missed cues scattered throughout the set, their command of the stage, instrumentation and orchestration is completely unmatched. Launching into a euphoric ‘Don’t Swallow The Cap’, the band are immediately greeted by the sound of thousands singing back Berninger’s words at the top of their lungs. It’s a warm raucousness that is rare to encounter not just at a London gig but at a National one, I dare say.

Such is the strong variation in emotion and energy throughout the band's discography it means the quieter moments are greeted with the same attention as the higher-charged limb shakers. ‘I Need My Girl’ provokes a gentle, loving singalong, and ‘This is the Last Time’ is delivered devastatingly by Berninger, his voice feels delightfully distraught during the delicate outro. It’s gut-punching in the most sensational of ways. I’m also a firm believer that ‘Light Years’ is the most beautiful song of the last two decades which rightfully receives its dues. 

There are many touching quips and humorous moments between the members. Berninger introduces the new song ‘Tropic Morning News’, an ode to the dire bleak news and modern climate he declares before Dessner berates him for starting fake news which provides a touching chuckle between the pair. Beloved deep cut ‘Pink Rabbits’ which gets delirious “I can’t believe they’re playing it” from somewhere on my right-hand side is introduced as a tribute to Berninger’s parents' 55th wedding anniversary, a significant achievement which his mother says is being down to putting two nice people together, his father retorted with ‘just one’ causing a fight Berninger laughs as he recalls the story. It’s clear his dry sense of humour is inherited. 

The National are a band that represents family not just within the band but with their friends, therefore it's no surprise to see collaborators past and present appearing to assist. The remarkable Eve Owen steals the show during a stirring duet of fan-favourite ‘Rylan’, Her unique soft raspy tone bouncing off Berninger perfectly. There was no Justin Vernon, but Fleet Foxes’ Pecknold more than aptly matches his iconic falsetto for a captivating rendition of the latest single ‘Weird Goodbyes’ which certainly hits the right notes live, striking a connection much more so than its latest studio release.

Understandably always a highlight on these shores ‘England’ is met with screams of approval, ‘this is for you’ dedicates Berninger. A pair in front even recreate the exact moment the song played over England vs Colombia’s 2018 World Cup penalty highlights, it’s a bemusingly sweet association one that I imagine would complete perplex the band. 

From there on out it's just pure alternative anthems; ‘Fake Empire’, ‘Mr. November’ and ‘Terrible Love’ before the group finish out with a surprisingly touching rendition of the back catalogue ballad ‘About Today’. I don’t think I’ve witnessed The National so pumped up and prepared for a performance, tonight was a real treat, combine the excellent sound quality throughout the day and you have not just one of The National’s highlights but an evening All Points East can be truly proud of.

★★★★★

The National Setlist:

Don't Swallow the Cap

Mistaken for Strangers

Bloodbuzz Ohio

The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness

I Need My Girl

This Is the Last Time

Slow Show

Tropic Morning News (Haversham)

Day I Die

Light Years

Rylan (with Eve Owen)

Pink Rabbits

Weird Goodbyes (with Robin Pecknold)

England

Graceless

Fake Empire

Mr. November

Terrible Love

About Today