The National have been teasing fans with something for weeks and as we all hoped, it’s a brand new album, entitled First Two Pages of Frankenstein, the band’s 9th studio album. It’s out on April 28, 2023, via 4AD, and was produced by the band at Long Pond Studios and signals a new chapter in the band’s discography, featuring guest appearances by Phoebe Bridgers, Sufjan Stevens, and yes, Taylor Swift.
The album originally came during a time when lead singer Matt Berninger navigated a dark time when he “couldn’t come up with lyrics or melodies at all.” The struggles allowed them to come from “everything from a different angle” allowing them to “arrive at what feels like a new era for the band,”according to guitarist/pianist Bryce Dessner.
With the announcement comes the release of single “Tropic Morning News.” It’s a song that the band have been testing live for some time now and becoming a fan favorite on the way. You can see why, as it has that trademark The National sound with a bit of a mix of their new direction with the classic DNA. We can see why they felt like this would be the best song to get fans feet wet for what is to come.
Enjoy a listen to “Tropic Morning News” now below, where you can also find the album tracklist and 2023 tour dates.
First Two Pages of Frankenstein track list:
- Once Upon A Poolside (feat. Sufjan Stevens)
- Eucalyptus
- New Order T-Shirt
- This Isn’t Helping (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)
- Tropic Morning News
- Alien
- The Alcott (feat. Taylor Swift)
- Grease In Your Hair
- Ice Machines
- Your Mind Is Not Your Friend (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)
- Send For Me
The National on tour:
US
May 20 – Chicago, IL – Auditorium Theatre *
May 21 – Chicago, IL – Auditorium Theatre *
May 24 – Washington, DC – The Anthem *
May 26 – Boston, MA – Boston Calling Festival
May 28 – Napa, CA – Bottlerock Festival
May 30 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre *
June 2 – Troutdale, OR – McMenamins Edgefield *
June 3 – Troutdale, OR – McMenamins Edgefield *
June 4 – Redmond, WA – Marymoor Park *
June 5 – Burnaby, BC, Canada – Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park *
August 1 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia ~
August 3 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl ~
August 7 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit ~
August 8 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee ~
August 9 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory ~
August 11 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom ~
August 15 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater ~
August 16 – Atlanta, GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park ~
August 18 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden with very special guest Patti Smith and her band
UK/EU
September 21 – Dublin, IRE – 3 Arena *
September 23 – Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena *
September 24 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro Arena *
September 26 – London, UK – Alexandra Palace *
September 29 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome ^
September 30 – Berlin, DE – Max-Schmeling-Halle ^
October 1 – Munich, DE – Zenith ^
October 4 – Madrid, ES – WiZink Center ^
October 5 – Porto, PT – Super Bock Arena ^
October 6 – Lisbon, PT – Campo Pequeno ^
Support:
*Soccer Mommy
~The Beths
^ Bartees Strange
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