secret fireworks

Tonight, we’re about to experience one of the most anticipated gig in recent times- The National have come to Belfast.


A stage bathed in blue light beckons for the Jane Bradfords, the first act up on tonight’s bill. The Belfast band, championed by many reviewers, provided a rip roaring set featuring songs from their eponymous debut album for the Mandela Hall audience. With catchy melodies and ever improving performances it won’t be long before they’ll be playing bigger venues. A particular highlight of the set was “Ninetynine”, a song that should become a firm indie dancefloor favourite.

A short interval and the lights dim as the National take to the stage to huge cheers. Even on looks alone, the crowd know they’re in the presence of greatness. They're more mature than your typical band, both in a physical and musical sense. The lead singer, Matt Berninger, has a shy demeanour and a sheepish grin as the crowd applaud. The violinist performs with more enthusiasm than a primary school orchestra combined. As the first few bars of “Start A War” are played, the audience begin to scream. The baritone voice of Berninger soars through the summer air, aided only by the faithful crowd. He turns his back to the audience when he's not singing, as if he's embarrassed to be performing in front of so many people. The guitars are roaring, the bass is chugging and the drums are incredible- Bryan Devendorf thundering away like there’s no tomorrow.

As “Squalor Victoria” comes to life, you see the true essence of the band. Berninger closes his eyes and sings with such honesty- as he screams out the chorus, you can feel and see he passion (it looks like he’s going to throw the microphone stand into the audience). The drums once again come to the forefront as the band wander into darker territory, and the guitars play with a restrained brilliance. “Abel” is the first real song to get the crowd dancing- the closest thing to an anthem the band have written, a joyful soaring symphony that is a change from the self questioning reflective set we've experienced so far. It seems that Matt Berninger has the crowd in the palm of his hand, which he uses to devastating effect. They hang on every word as he dedicates “Daughters of the Soho Riots” to diehard fans the Jane Bradfords.

A chord rings out. A drum beat begins. The audience goes wild. “Mr November” rings out around Mandela Hall, and the guitars give in to temptation, showboating like true rockers do. A middle aged well dressed man attempts to crowdsurf and is quickly removed from the building. Matt Berninger jumps from the stage, much to the behest of the bouncers, and the crowd reach out to grab a hold of him, as if by doing so, the band would play just one more song. Sadly, it's time to go, and the end of probably one of the best performances in Mandela Hall in recent times.

Labels: the jane bradfords, the national