BoxerThis is part one of a two-part series introducing you to the acts performing at this year’s Bacchanal.

Two separate sets of brothers make up four-fifths of The National. The fifth is lead singer Matt Berninger, whose odd, deep voice is probably the most distinctive quality of the band’s brooding sound. Since hitting the scene in 1999, when the band left Ohio and came to Brooklyn to work day jobs, the National have been on a steady rise to prominence. Their first two albums are low-fi and a little muddled, and were released on the band’s own label; three years ago, they moved to Beggars Banquet Records, where they made their two most recent (and most popular) albums. They’re marked by simple instrumentals and lyrical prowess.

Since 2005, The National have been significantly more popular; their last two albums, “Alligator” and “Boxer,” were staples on Best Of lists (including Bwog’s own). Sufjan Stevens’ horns and piano can be heard in the background of a song on their last record, and they’ll be backing up REM on their tour this summer.

Listen (“Brainy” @ musicisart.ws)

Listen (a dozen acoustic tracks @ aquariumdrunkard.com)

Listen (three tracks @ daytrotter.com)

–ZvS