The Sad Dads of the National

The article explores the enduring melancholy and 'sad dad' persona of the band The National, detailing their two-decade journey through quotidian losses and existential angst. It delves into their songwriting process, the collaborative input of Matt Berninger's wife, Carin Besser, and Berninger's recent battle with depression and writer's block that nearly led to the band's dissolution. The piece highlights the band's eventual resurgence with their ninth album, 'First Two Pages of Frankenstein,' and the therapeutic power of their music for both the artists and their audience. It also touches on individual members' side projects, including Aaron Dessner's collaborations with Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, underscoring the band's continued relevance and unique ability to articulate profound sadness and offer catharsis.