Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers and Sufjan Stevens to feature on The National’s new album ‘First Two Pages Of Frankenstein’

After linking up with Bon Iver for their single ‘Weird Goodbyes’ last year, The National started teasing the follow-up to 2019’s ‘I Am Easy To Find’ with hints to collabs with Phoebe Bridgers, Taylor Swift and Sufjan Stevens, and now they have announced that their ninth LP, ‘First Two Pages Of Frankenstein’, will be out on 28th April on 4AD. The record’s creation stalled while lead singer Matt Berninger navigated, “a very dark spot where I couldn’t come up with lyrics or melodies at all. Even though we’d always been anxious whenever we were working on a record, this was the first time it ever felt like maybe things really had come to an end.” However, as guitarist/pianist Bryce Dessner notes, the band “managed to come back together and approach everything from a different angle, and because of that we arrived at what feels like a new era for the band.” Sharing first single ‘Tropic Morning News’, Aaron Dessner explains, “When Matt came in with that song in the depths of his depression, it felt like a turning point for us. It’s almost Dylan-esque in its lyrics and it’s so much fun to play; everything suddenly felt like it was coming alive again.” Co-written with Matt’s wife Carin Besser, Matt adds, “The idea of referring to the darkness of the news in such a light way unlocked something in me,” says Berninger. “It became a song about having a hard time expressing yourself, and trying to connect with someone when the noise of the world is drowning out any potential for conversation.” Have a listen to ‘Tropic Morning News’ below. ‘First Two Pages of Frankenstein’ Tracklisting: 1. Once Upon A Poolside (feat. Sufjan Stevens) 2. Eucalyptus 3. New Order T-Shirt 4. This Isn’t Helping (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) 5. Tropic Morning News 6. Alien 7. The Alcott (feat. Taylor Swift) 8. Grease In Your Hair 9. Ice Machines 10. Your Mind Is Not Your Friend (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) 11. Send For Me See The National live at the following dates: MAY 20 – Chicago, IL – Auditorium Theatre * 21 – Chicago, IL – Auditorium Theatre * 24 – Washington, DC – The Anthem * 26 – Boston, MA – Boston Calling Festival 28 – Napa, CA – Bottlerock Festival 30 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre * JUNE 02 – Troutdale, OR – McMenamins Edgefield * 03 – Troutdale, OR – McMenamins Edgefield * 04 – Redmond, WA – Marymoor Park * 05 – Burnaby, BC, Canada – Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park * AUGUST 01 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia ~ 03 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl ~ 07 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit ~ 08 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee ~ 09 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory ~ 11 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom ~ 15 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater ~ 16 – Atlanta, GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park ~ 18 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden with very special guest Patti Smith and her band SEPTEMBER 21 – Dublin, IRE – 3 Arena * 23 – Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena * 24 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro Arena * 26 – London, UK – Alexandra Palace * 29 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome ^ 30 – Berlin, DE – Max-Schmeling-Halle ^ OCTOBER 01 – Munich, DE – Zenith ^ 04 – Madrid, ES – WiZink Center ^ 05 – Porto, PT – Super Bock Arena ^ 06 – Lisbon, PT – Campo Pequeno ^ Support: * Soccer Mommy ~ The Beths ^ Bartees Strange Get tickets to watch The National live now.