Label: Book / Concord Records
Released: 30th May 2025
After the release of his first solo album in 2020, Matt Berninger found himself in the deepest pits of writer’s block for a long period. It went on to become the basis for much of The National’s last two albums and in ways, it inspired aspects of the creative process of new solo effort ‘Get Sunk’.
‘Inland Ocean’ settles us into the easy-listening nature of the album. It’s a peaceful beginning to a record that, much like its predecessor, is much slower in tempo than most of the works by The National. It almost feels like this is Matt’s break from being overly existential in his lyricism, too. He’s still painting vivid pictures – like on ‘Bonnet of Pins’, which follows the singer as he reconnects with someone from his past, presumably an old flame – and the depth is still there, but you can’t detect the pain in his voice; it’s more reflective than anything else. With a feature from Meg Duffy of Hand Habits, ‘Breaking Into Acting’ is a highlight, bemoaning the false nature of performance; their voices go together seamlessly.
‘Get Sunk’ retains the signature charm of The National while highlighting Berninger’s strengths as a writer. Without big riffs or orchestral arrangements to lean on, the focus falls squarely on his lyrics, letting his storytelling take centre stage.
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