The National Unveils New Music,Tour

The National fans can sleep well knowing that a new album and tour are on their way from the indie rock band. 

Markus Thorsen – Matt Berninger of The National
Oya Festival, Middelalderparken, Oslo, Norway

Sleep Well Beast is due out Sept. 8 as the follow-up to 2013’s Trouble Will Find Me.

This week The National released a music video for the single “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness,” which was directed by Casey Reas.

“While many of their songs, records, and even the trajectory of their nearly 20-year career could be described as a slow build, now they’re not wasting any time,” Pitchfork writer Sam Sodomsky says in a review of the song. “‘The System’ sounds heavy and urgent and surprisingly aggressive – and not just because of Aaron Dessner’s gnarly guitar solo in the middle.”

Following appearances at England’s Glastonbury Festival and Denmark’s Haven Festival, European headline dates begin Ireland in September. The North American portion of the trek kicks off Oct. 5 at Boston’s Wang Theatre – Boch Center. The last stop is Chicago, where The National is scheduled to play two nights at the Civic Opera House Dec. 12-13.

Registration for access to the presales is ongoing and closes May 14. A note on The National’s Facebook page points out that fans should be sure to sign up for each show they plan to attend.

Presales begins May 15 at 10 a.m. Tickets go on sale to the general public May 19 at 10 a.m. All times local.

Tickets for the North American dates come with a digital download of Sleep Well Beast.

Visit The National’s Pollstar artist page to find out if the band is playing your town.