The National joined by Richard Reed Parry and play ’90-Mile Water Wall’ for first time since 2014 at first full gig in two years

After a two-year hiatus from full-band performances, The National reemerged on stage delivering an expansive set that pleased both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Their concert took place on October 18 at the Kursaal Auditorium in San Sebastián, marking the closing event of the AB100 festival. This milestone event was billed as 'The National And Friends', accentuating the presence of several notable collaborators.

A highlight of the night was the inclusion of Richard Reed Parry, multi-instrumentalist and composer known primarily for his work with Arcade Fire. Parry's appearance was particularly poignant as he had previously contributed to The National's acclaimed 2010 album, 'High Violet', and their 2013 release, 'Trouble Will Find Me'. His live contributions included performances on songs like 'Lemonworld' and 'Bloodbuzz Ohio', connecting the band’s earlier studio work to their current live expression.

The setlist unfolded with a dynamic opening trio of 'Humiliation', 'This Is the Last Time', and 'Don’t Swallow the Cap'. Throughout the 22-song repertoire, the band revisited both crowd favorites and deep cuts, notably performing '90-Mile Water Wall' for the first time in over a decade, its last live rendition dating back to 2014. This rare inclusion underscored the band's willingness to explore their back catalogue in a live setting, offering fans an experience that was both nostalgic and fresh.

Adding a unique artistic dimension, the band revisited 'Sorrow' twice during the evening. The second performance featured visual and performance artist Ragnar Kjartansson, continuing a creative partnership that originated with their collaborative 2013 installation and performance piece, 'A Lot of Sorrow'. This blend of music and visual art highlighted The National’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.

Other notable songs performed included 'Oblivions', 'Smoke Detector', 'Terrible Love', and 'About Today', culminating in an encore with 'Once Upon a Poolside' and 'Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks'. This carefully curated set demonstrated the band’s breadth and depth, weaving through their evolving soundscapes.

The concert followed a previous night’s event at the AB100 festival in Biarritz, where members Matt Berninger and the Dessner twins shared the stage with an assortment of guest artists such as Ben Howard, Kevin Morby, and Jon Hopkins. That performance was further distinguished by a reunion with Michael Stipe of R.E.M., with whom the band has a longstanding relationship. Together, they performed 'E-Bow The Letter', a R.E.M. track from 1996, reinforcing the cross-generational ties influencing The National’s artistic trajectory.

Recent activities also include a smaller scale performance by The National’s members without Berninger in Germany, illustrating the different configurations in which the band continues to engage audiences. The group's most recent studio work consists of two albums released in 2023, 'First Two Pages of Frankenstein' and 'Laugh Track', with the latter marking a continuation of their experimental and introspective approach.

Individually, lead vocalist Matt Berninger has ventured into solo territory with his album 'Get Sunk', released after the band’s last full-band show. His solo work reflects a contemplative and existential narrative, focusing on the impermanence of life and the enduring power of ideas and kindness. Meanwhile, Aaron Dessner has been prolific as a producer and collaborator, contributing to projects by artists like Mumford & Sons, Florence + The Machine, and Brandi Carlile, underscoring his role as a central figure in contemporary music production.

Overall, The National’s recent resurgence on stage and ongoing creative output signal a band deeply engaged in both reflecting on their past and shaping their future. Their return to full-band live performances, enriched by special guests and rare song selections, reaffirms their influential position within the indie rock landscape and their commitment to evolving as artists.