The National

In July 2008, when The National graced the stage of the Festival Manta in Guimarães, Portugal, the band was riding the wave of increased recognition fueled by their breakthrough album, "Boxer." Released a year earlier in 2007, "Boxer" marked a pivotal moment in their career, introducing audiences to the lush instrumentation and Matt Berninger’s baritone that would become their signature sound. Interestingly, this performance features “Green Gloves,” “Mistaken For Strangers,” and “Fake Empire,” three tracks that encapsulate the emotional depth and lyrical sophistication that had begun to define their work. At this point, The National was transitioning from respected indie darlings to more prominent figures on the alt-rock scene, paving the way for future successes like "High Violet." Their live performances, known for their intimacy and intensity, showcased an evolving band that was beginning to capture hearts and ears on a much larger scale. It’s fascinating to think about how this show set the stage for their meteoric rise in the following years!

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