The National’s Matt Berninger Shares New Track Off Solo Album

Matt Berninger, the eminent frontman of The National, is carving a distinct path with his solo musical endeavors, which include his latest album, Get Sunk. The album marks a significant artistic milestone for Berninger as he explores themes of identity and introspection. The lead single, “Inland Ocean,” sets the tone for the project, opening with a hauntingly contemplative air enriched by the ethereal backing vocals of Julia Laws, also known as Ronboy. Collaborating with Walter Martin from The Walkmen, Berninger has produced a rich sonic tapestry that indulges the listener in a blend of mellow instrumentals and poignant lyricism.

Berninger’s lyrics are ostensibly drawn to water imagery, though he insists it’s a broader metaphor — a reflection on depth and emotion rather than explicit thematic intentionality. The refrain, “God loves the inland ocean / Lost cause, I have no emotion,” encapsulates a prevailing sense of detachment and introspection. The song’s atmospheric arrangement, characterized by its echoing, staccato guitar riff accompanied by saxophone and choral elements, aligns with Berninger’s knack for crafting immersive sonic landscapes deeply imbued with emotion.

Berninger’s musical journey on Get Sunk follows a rocky period of creative block and personal discontent, as he reportedly confronted profound questions of self-identity and purpose. This period of introspection has undoubtedly influenced the album’s development, cementing a sense of authenticity and raw vulnerability in its creation. The album is not autobiographical in a traditional sense, but rather an exploration of the complex amalgam of influences that shape personal identity — from familial relationships to friendships and social interactions. It’s a testament to how these interactions contribute to one’s self-awareness and individual evolution.

The production of Get Sunk involved a talented ensemble of musicians and collaborators, including Grammy Award-winning producer Sean O’Brien. The team worked primarily in a Silverlake, CA basement studio to develop the album’s nuanced sound. Notable contributions came from artists like Kyle Resnick, Garret Lang, and Meg Duffy, along with the legendary Booker T. Jones. This collaborative effort has infused the album with a rich diversity of sound and perspective, allowing Berninger’s introspective vision to flourish.

Berninger had previously debuted the singles “Bonnet Of Pins” and “Breaking Into Acting” which precede the latest release of “Inland Ocean,” each adding layers to the conceptual and sonic breadth of the album. “Bonnet Of Pins” particularly showcases Berninger’s gift for encapsulating vivid, often melancholic narratives. Filled with poignant imagery, this track portrays a scene where the mundanity of life intermingles with poignant emotions, illustrating Berninger’s sharp eye for detail and raw storytelling.

As Berninger embarks on his solo tour across North America and Europe, fans can expect to see him supported by a talented band, including participating musicians from the album’s recording. This tour marks not only a series of performances but also a deep dive into the intimate and introspective nature of his latest work. The live performances are anticipated to bring the emotional resonance of the album to life, connecting deeply with audiences across continents.

Matt Berninger on tour:

May 19 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
May 20 – San Francisco, CA – Bimbo’s 365 Club *SOLD OUT
May 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Palace Theatre
May 23 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
May 24 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall *SOLD OUT
May 26 – Toronto, ON – Concert Hall
May 28 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer
May 29 – Washington, DC – Lincoln Theatre
May 30 – New York, NY – Webster Hall *SOLD OUT
June 1 – Norwalk, CT – District Music Hall
August 22 – Dublin, Ireland – Vicar Street
August 23 – Dublin, Ireland – Vicar Street *SOLD OUT
August 25 – Glasgow, UK – SWG3 Galvanizers
August 26 – Manchester, UK – Albert Hall
August 27 – London, UK – Troxy
August 28-31 – Nr Tolland Royal, Wiltshire, UK – End Of The Road Festival
August 31 – Utrecht, Netherlands – Tivoli Vredenburg *SOLD OUT
September 1 – Antwerp, Belgium – OLT Rivierenhof *SOLD OUT
September 2 – Paris, France – Elysee Montmartre
September 4 – Berlin, Germany – Huxleys
September 5 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Vega
September 6 – Oslo, Norway – Rockefeller Music Hall
September 8 – Hamburg, Germany – Große Freiheit 36
September 9 – Utrecht, Netherlands – Tivoli Vredenburg
September 10 – Antwerp, Belgium – OLT Rivierenhof *SOLD OUT
September 12 – Brussels, Belgium – Cirque Royal