The National @ The Shepherds Bush Empire

Courtesy of a very insightful birthday present from David Standley, I recently got to witness, without doubt one of THE best gigs I've had the chance of seeing while in London. Not that I've seen millions, but I've seen a few now, enough to know when I've just seen something special.

There's something about these guys. When brilliance and talent is coupled with a type of honesty and integrity, it makes for great listening. They won't be everyone's cup of tea though – Robyn gasped at me one Friday evening 'turn off that depressing crap'. Her loss really. What perhaps sets these guys apart from other similar bands is lead vocalist Matt Berningers vocals. I don't know too much about music, but it reminded me a lot of a Chris Rea ( circa Now thats what I call music 3 – 'This is the roaaad to hell…'), my friend (another ardent fan) Greg says Johnny Cash, and he's right, that's probably more accurate. In a nutshell, he has an incredibly deep and resonant voice and it just sets the platform. They're not particularly happy either but I like that. Hold on, let me rephrase that, they're probably happy, but their music doesn't come across to jovially (is that even a word?).

What made this gig (I say gig because it was pretty small, concerts are in arenas) special was a number of things.

1) The crowd – easily THE most mature, knowledgeable and appreciative audience I've ever seen. I was also comforted by the number of men there bearing my affliction – MPB (male-pattern baldness).

2) The band – when lead singer Matt Berninger kicked off you could see it was a big moment for him, you could've heard a pin drop, and his voice quivered ever so slightly, (like when you try get the mower going by pulling that cord and it just doesn't take) but as the music overtook their anxiety (and the mower kicked in) they never looked back. How many gigs/concerts have you been to where the band comes back for a second encore? Just one for me.

3) The location – Shepherds Bush Empire I hear you say? Ja I know it's average, but on this night it was just right. Have you ever sat upstairs? Ha, neither had I!

Okay it's passed my bed time now. Thanks Dave!