The National First Two Pages of Frankenstein Album Review

With features from Sufjan Stevens, Phoebe Bridgers and Taylor Swift, The National returned with their first album release in four years. 

Their ninth album: First Two Pages of Frankenstein, was released on Friday, 28 April, as arguably their best album in a decade, though it’s a toss-up between FTPOF and 2013’s Trouble Will Find Me. Named after Mary Shelley’s novel and the wastelands described in its first two pages, The National have stepped into a new path consisting of raw and emotionally direct tracks as opposed to the “sad-sack-mope-dad-rock-brunch-core-Americana” that frontman Matt Berninger said made them a household name.

The band have been honest and forthcoming about Berninger’s dealings with depression and his year-long writer's block as a result. The goings-on of his brain and relationships can be found throughout the album, whether it be production or lyricism.

Track-by-track analysis

Once upon a poolside (ft. Sufjan Stevens)

A piano ballad opens the album into a desolate pit of melancholy blues. Seemingly discussing a one-on-one relationship teetering on the edge of a breakup with the narrative of poor mental health. A nostalgic glow referring to teenage love and insecurities when Berninger sings, “I don’t know how you do it teenagers” / “Am I asking for too much?”, "Once upon a Poolside" is a testament to the first sigh after a cry. 

Eucalyptus

A breakup anthem surrounding the splitting of possessions, "Eucalyptus" offers a production mix all too familiar in previous work from The National. Knowing what’s good for them is the basis of track two. Repetitive lyricism reigns true to the post-break-up arguments that all too regularly follow the loss of a deep connection. Bring in a guitar solo, and "Eucalyptus" is a track that will remain in mind for its catchiness rather than its stand-out performance. 

New Order T-shirt

"New Order T-shirt" takes us to the ending of a relationship with imagery that gives even the emotionless glossy eyes. A track focused on love, loss and memories, "New Order T-shirt" reminds us that the smallest moments are the ones we often remember – “You in my New Order t-shirt” / “Holding a cat and a glass of beer” / “I carry them with me like drugs in a pocket.” This track should come with a warning for those fresh out of a breakup; its mirror of the heart pulls it apart from tracks one and two. 

This Isn’t Helping (ft. Phoebe Bridgers)

A beautiful rendition of the battle between healing and hurting whilst seeking out another individual with a handful of jealousy, Berninger and Bridgers pull us into a depression lull. A raw plea of the mind's inner workings, the pair successfully transmits a feeling we’ve all found ourselves in at one point. “This isn’t helping at all” / “I know you think it’s kindness, but it’s not” relates to a guilty feeling watching someone trying to help, particularly an ex or current romantic partner, pull you out of a pit whilst they’re succeeding in their own life. 

Tropic Morning News

Melancholy guitar riffs put track 5 directly in the spotlight, backed by lyrics discussing mental health. “I was suffering more than I was letting on” / “There is nothing stopping me now from saying all the painful parts out loud.” Berninger’s heartfelt lyricism surrounding his struggle with depression is backed by a somewhat cheerful beat meant to mirror the celebration of speaking up.

Alien

An indie-folk feel reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s Folklore discovers itself in track six. Again, Berninger mentions the up and comings of a breakdown out of earshot, evident in the lyrics “Off the rails and no one’s coming to get us.”

The Alcott (ft. Taylor Swift)

Arguably a standout from the album, “The Alcott” blends the genius of Taylor Swift into the deeply haunting vocals of Berninger. This profoundly moving track discusses a romance on the brink. Berninger and Swift take either side of the relationship in their vocals. A conversation, Swift follows Berninger's lines, covering all bases in a move not unlike Swift’s collaboration with Bon Iver, “Exile” on the album Folklore. The bittersweet conclusion follows falling back in love after reconnection.

Grease In Your Hair

Reminiscent of their older work, “Grease In Your Hair" is a popular choice for regular listening of The National. With a sturdy beat and a more indie-rock feel, the track solidifies itself as a standalone within a few seconds and one that is sure to be even more incredible live. “Grease In Your Hair" is full of catchy lyrics and a melody to which you can tap your feet.

Ice Machines

Another deep dive into Berninger's mental health, “Ice Machines” focuses on knowing you need help while actively rejecting it, especially from those around you (“I don’t need anything, but I do/I don’t know what to say to people, it only makes things worse.”) A deeply relatable track on the feeling of being stuck between what you think you need and what you actually need is a situation we’ve all found ourselves in at one point.

Your Mind Is Not Your Friend (ft. Phoebe Bridgers)

The National decided to have Bridgers feature twice on the same album in a relatively uncommon choice. Far from criticism as Bridgers’ own albums could be intertwined with The National’s due to her focus on the inner workings of life’s most complex emotions, Bridgers and Berninger encompass this in the second to last song of the album. A straightforward ballad surrounding the enemy being yourself; “Your Mind Is Not Your Friend” says it how it is. Little to no interpretation needed and a lack of metaphorical language, this track shrugs off any form of mental health sugar coating, reminding the listener that the scenarios your mind takes you to aren’t to be trusted as, after all, your mind isn’t your friend. 

Send For Me

A genuine love song with a feeling of hope rather than ending, “Send for Me" explains one of the most essential elements of a partnership: the idea that you’re there for the other no matter where they are or how they’re feeling. Send for Me is a sweet conclusion to an album focused on depression and heartbreak. 

Berninger's raw honesty makes First Two Pages of Frankenstein one of The National’s greatest albums.