First Two Pages of Frankenstein

by The National

Overview

Differences between albums by the National can be measured by minute degrees, each marking a distance from the group's melancholic center. First Two Pages of Frankenstein, the 2023 record that marks the band's first proper album since 2017's Sleep Well Beast -- not to mention the first they've released since Aaron Dessner became a collaborator of Taylor Swift's -- lies among the National albums that provide a glimmer of reassurance, the sense of consolation arriving not through catharsis but meditation. While stillness is a constant within the National, as they enter middle age, they seem to have less patience for varying tempo or volume, so First Two Pages of Frankenstein appears to be painted in gradations of grey; it's not monochromatic, but from a certain perspective it can appear homogenous. Even supporting vocals from Sufjan Stevens and Phoebe Bridgers, who cameos twice, don't command attention, marking a distinct break from I Am Easy to Find, where guest vocals provided a focal point. Here, the National sound relatively streamlined, concentrating on their collective subdued drama. Naturally, Matt Berninger's murmured musings are placed at the forefront, yet the band follow his every pause and sigh, giving the music the impression of riding a wave; things surge forward, then recede. Melodies aren't absent, but they're not forceful, they're sung as suggestions. Forward movement is achieved through shifts in texture and feel, momentum created through layers of harmony and weaving acoustic instruments through electronic beddings. Nothing here sounds precisely new -- this is the aesthetic that gelled around the time of High Violet, yet the skill in the craft is married to a brightness in outlook that lets First Two Pages of Frankenstein operate on two parallel paths: it can serve as moody atmosphere or reward close listening. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	04/28/2023
Label:	4Ad
UPC:	0191400056619

Tracks

1. Once Upon a Poolside
2. Eucalyptus
3. New Order T-Shirt
4. This Isn¿¿¿t Helping
5. Tropic Morning News
6. Alien
7. The Alcott
8. Grease In Your Hair
9. Ice Machines
10. Your Mind Is Not Your Friend
11. Send for Me

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The National   Primary Artist
Taylor Swift   Primary Artist,Featured Artist
Sufjan Stevens   Featured Artist
Juan Gonzalez   Violin
Gillon Cameron   Violin
Sergio Serra   Cello
Laura Moody   Cello
Jonny Byers   Cello
Marianne Haynes   Violin
Johnny Byers   Cello
Daisy Vatalaro   Cello
Louise McMonagle   Cello
Kirsty Mangan   Violin
Akiko Ishikawa   Violin
Mandhira De Saram   Violin
Miles Brett   Violin
Ashok Klouda   Cello
Galya Bisengalieva   Violin
Robert Ames   Conductor
Peteris Sokolovskis   Cello
Phoebe Bridgers   Featured Artist
Max Ruisi   Cello
Claire Hazelton   Violin
Guy Button   Violin
Anna de Bruin   Violin
Zara Benyounes   Violin
Charis Jenson   Violin
Raja Halder   Violin
Venetia Jollands   Violin
Agata Daraskaite   Violin
Alexandra Caldon   Violin
Clare Kennington   Violin
Anna Ovsyanikova   Violin
Radhika De Saram   Violin
Nicole Crespo O'Donoghue   Violin
Julian Azkoul   Violin
Hazel Correa   Violin
Eleonora Consta   Violin
Yuen Minn Majoe   Violin
Matthew Bain   Violin
Rebecca Burden   Cello

Technical Credits

Tony Berg   Vocal Producer
Scott Devendorf   Group Member
Aaron Dessner   Composer,Group Member
Matt Berninger   Composer,Group Member
Bryce Dessner   Composer,Group Member
Greg Calbi   Mastering
Peter Katis   Engineer
Taylor Swift   Composer
The National   Producer
James McAlister   Additional Production
Bryan Devendorf   Group Member
Steve Fallone   Mastering
Fiona Cruickshank   Engineer
Jonathan Low   Mixing,Engineer
Jeremy Murphy   Engineer
Kurt Leon   Engineer
Carin Besser   Composer
Greg Giorgio   Engineer
David Chalmin   Engineer
Harry George   Copyist
Sean O'Brien   Vocal Engineer
Ben Rice   Engineer
Adam Armstrong   Engineer
Josh Goleman   Band Photo
Chad Wahlbrink   Engineer
Bella Blasko   Engineer
John Solimine   Cover Photo
Will Maclellan   Vocal Engineer
Ber Quinn   Engineer
Luke Hayman   Design
Liam Hebb   Assistant Engineer
Laura Beck   Assistant Engineer
Amy-Elisabeth Hinds   Orchestra Manager
Cassandra Gurling   Project Manager
Charlotte Marino   Orchestra Manager
Matt Poirier   Engineer
Gracia Lee   Design
Jake Merritt   Engineer
Matt Latchwa   Engineer
Shigeto Akiyama   Design