Matt Berninger’s day job is leader of The National but on his second solo album “Get Sunk” he further carves out a place for his side hustle and, in some places, out-does what The National has tried to do recently.
The new album reflects on his decision to move from Los Angeles to the quiet life in rural Connecticut, a serene setting that has allowed him to tap into the intimacy he was known for early in his career with The National.
His tortured music has a variety all its own moving from desperate love songs to gentle rockers and orchestral folk. His signature deadpan delivery croons through woozy ballads and surreal wordplay.
“Get Sunk” doesn’t break any new ground but expands on the powerful oeuvre he has invented. He isn’t trying to run away from his past as much as he’s trying to stay ahead of it.