The National

Back in August 2008, when The National graced the Øyafestivalen stage in Oslo, they were riding the wave of their critically acclaimed album, *Boxer*, which had been released the previous year. This album marked a significant moment in their career, elevating them from indie darlings to a more widespread audience. "Brainy," one of the standout tracks from *Boxer*, perfectly showcases their signature sound—brooding yet melodic, with Matt Berninger's deep, resonant vocals cutting through the intricate instrumentation. It’s fascinating to think that during this live performance, they were still savoring the success of *Boxer*, which included tracks that would become fan favorites and staples of their live sets. What's even more interesting is how this period foreshadowed their ascent into mainstream recognition, thus setting the stage for a string of significant albums that followed. Isn’t it incredible how a moment captured in a live show can tell you so much about a band's journey?

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