The National

Formed in 1999 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and later based in Brooklyn, New York, The National is an acclaimed indie rock band comprised of vocalist Matt Berninger and two sets of brothers: Aaron and Bryce Dessner, and Scott and Bryan Devendorf. Renowned for their melancholic, introspective lyrics and layered musical arrangements—featuring Berninger’s deep baritone and complex instrumentation—the band evolved from an early underground act into an indie rock institution, gaining widespread critical acclaim with their 2005 album Alligator. Over a career spanning more than two decades, they have produced numerous influential albums, including the Grammy-winning Sleep Well Beast (2017), while becoming known for their intense live performances and contributions to film and television soundtracks. Despite a "dysfunctional democracy" in their creative process, The National has maintained a remarkably consistent, high-level output, continuing to release critically regarded music through the 2020s.