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Ah, the National. Very few bands can bring fans out in droves in the pouring rain; but, then again, can any other band claim to having sold out Bowery Ballroom five consecutive nights? Poised at the apex of the Brooklyn Indie Rock renaissance, this quintet bestowed a much-welcomed free show upon their dedicated followers at South Street Seaport. Stormy weather cut both openers’ (Takka Takka and the Forms) sets down to three songs each. However there is concrete proof that the weather gods love the National, as the rain cleared just in time for the band to take the stage. Fans who withstood the wet weather were rewarded with an hour-long 15-song performance by frontman Matt Berninger and company. Opening with 'Start a War' and 'Mistaken for Strangers' - from their new album Boxer (Beggars Banquet) - the golden boys quickly followed with stellar tracks off the last one, Alligator, including 'Secret Meeting' and 'Baby We'll Be Fine.' But, it was the unleashing of their up-tempo hit 'Abel' mid-set that drove the crowd over the edge. The teasing encore choice of 'Murder Me Rachel' reminded us of the National's capabilities - conversational guitar driven ballads layered with gritty lyrics steeped in a classic garage pedigree. It's enough to send Leonard Cohen to a retirement home.

~Text and Film by Abbey Braden

Special thanks to South Street Seaport and the 212 Group