8/10

After the release of their Grammy Award-winning LP 'Sleep Well Beast' in 2017, The National were rightfully exhausted once the promotion was over. Not the young men they used to be, the group decided to call a brief hiatus to the band last year in an attempt to rebuild their enthusiasm as well as give frontman Matt Berninger and guitarist Bryce Dessner a chance to pursue a few passion projects that would keep their minds off their formative outfit. And from just a few quick listens of 'I Am Easy To Find', it is clear that the break did them a world of good as their eighth full-length seems bigger and bolder than ever.

While the group have always been known for grand and euphoric indie-rock since their infancy, there is something about the production of this record that sees them go that little bit further into their own state of euphoria. With singles like 'You Had Your Soul With You' and 'Quiet Light' introducing the album, we are treated to some truly anthemic and, at times, cinematic examples of where this new collection is heading. Coupling that with the more sombre notes of 'Roman Holiday' and 'Rylan', 'I Am Easy To Find' has this wonderful juxtaposition of tones and emotions that make this release such a turbulent but enthralling collection to listen to.

This may already be their eighth LP to date, but The National are far from slowly down creatively. With such a broad and textured sound throughout, this new album looks set to become one of their most fan pleasing to date, with very little filler on the 16-track release. A strong and confident from a band that just seem to make all the right moves.