The National

This E.P. may only be seven songs long, but the emotional depths the National explore give the set the feeling of a complete album. What separates this group from their indie rock peers is the psychological and stylistic range of their songs. And while they can play everything from lush country folk to stark post-punk, they make sure that their sound compliments each song. Isn't nailing the trifecta of a song (music/lyric/arrangement) supposed to be what it's all about? Maybe the National can make extra cash by teaching their craft down at the Learning Annex.