In 2023, The National surprised everyone by releasing their second album, “Laugh Track,” which was officially announced during their performance at the Homecoming Festival in Cincinnati. The album, featuring 12 songs, follows the trajectory of material that originally began during the same session as “First Two Pages of Frankenstein,” released by 4AD in April. The National has also confirmed additional tour dates in the United States for this fall, as well as upcoming shows in Australia in the coming spring with support from Fleet Foxes.
“Laugh Track” is an album full of exploration and freedom. If “Frankenstein” symbolizes the rebuilding of trust among group members after over 20 years together, “Laugh Track” is the result of that conviction. They experienced a radical change in the creative process, honing most of this material during their live tour performances this year and capturing the strengthened version in impromptu sessions at the Flora Recording & Playback studio owned by producer Tucker Martine in Portland.
The album features guest appearances by Phoebe Bridgers and Rosanne Cash, as well as a collaboration with Bon Iver in the song “Weird Goodbyes.” There’s a vintage rock energy that pervades this album, making it a perfect complement to the introspective songs on their previous album.
Read also The National Released 2 Surprise Tracks “Space Invader” and “Alphabet City”
Thematically, there is no deliberate separation between “Frankenstein” and “Laugh Track.” The album explores the need for intimacy juxtaposed with the fear of an increasingly unreal modern life. The characters in this album have a powerful dynamic, covering for each other, dreaming of one another, and maintaining appearances, creating a compelling story.
The National is a band that continues to evolve, and “Laugh Track” is another testament to their evolution. Their new tour will kick off in November in San Francisco, with plans for shows in Australia in early 2024. Throughout their long history, The National has achieved significant success in the UK and the US, with several albums reaching high positions on the charts. Their album “Sleep Well Beast” even won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album in 2017.
