Their music is both melancholic and upbeat, their lyrics both catchy and intelligent – it’s hard not to fall in love with The National. Their sixth album, due on Monday, is the perfect iteration, yet another step closer to perfecting their sound. What’s more, they have a documentary out, made by singer Matt Berninger’s brother, a metalhead who thinks The National are pretty lame.

From Weekly Filet #113, in May 2013.