For his second solo album, The National’s singer Matt Berninger worked with producer/co-writer Sean O’Brien. The album is a mixture of mostly midtempo, atmospheric tracks with a bit of an electronic touch, some that sound like an elder indie rock stateman, and others that lean more country. “Little By Little” adds a bit of acoustic guitar and a little twang to the proceedings. “Nowhere Special” moves toward indie rock statesman with it’s stream of conscious lyrics.
Over guitars, “Bonnet of Pins” explores the Berninger favourite topic of a girl drinking at a party who’s character is further explored on the very good “Silver Jeep”. Like “Frozen Oranges”, first song “Inland Ocean” mentions Indiana and wanting to get away from everything. “I flew to Indiana to see a friend… wrap me up in your summer sheets”. On Get Sunk, Berninger is able to explore more lowkey songs whose sound don’t have to fill hockey arenas on a nightly basis.
7.5/10
The Light Appears 