THE NATIONAL

The National is an American rock band formed in Brooklyn, New York City, in 1999. The band includes Matt Berninger (vocals), twin brothers Aaron Dessner (guitar, piano, keyboards) and Bryce Dessner (guitar, piano, keyboards), as well as brothers Scott Devendorf (bass) and Bryan Devendorf (drums). Longtime touring members Ben Lanz (trombone, synthesizers) and Kyle Resnick (trumpet, keyboards, backing vocals) have also performed with the band. Berninger's wife, Carin Besser, has contributed lyrics since the 2007 album Boxer. The band was founded by Berninger, the Dessner brothers, and the Devendorf brothers. Their debut album, The National, was released in 2001 on Brassland Records, an independent label founded by Aaron and Bryce Dessner. Bryce Dessner participated as a full member starting with the follow-up album, Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers, released in 2003. The band signed with Beggars Banquet Records and released their third album, Alligator, in 2005. Their fourth and fifth albums, Boxer (2007) and High Violet (2010), received critical acclaim and increased their exposure.