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    The National: Carried to Ohio in a Swarm of Fans

    Dressed in all black, summoning his signature deep baritone vocals – which live, sound remarkably like Ian Curtis of Joy Division – The National’s Matt Berninger dedicated their indie-hit “Bloodbuzz Ohio” to the late John Andrew “Andyman” Davis, citing all the tremendous good he did for the band and Ohio music as a whole. The crowd fell silent in response to his somber and sincere tribute, as instant nostalgia of their favorite Andyman memory simmered in the summer heat. And when the opening notes of “Bloodbuzz” rang out and everyone sang along, it was as if something that Andyman had always wanted was taking place.

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    It had been three years since The National, formed in Cincinnati, made their way back home to Ohio. And one thing is for certain: life on the road has been good. Sounding better than ever and more energized, The National were on top of their game this past Monday at the LC Pavilion.

    The 21-song set was a strong sample of The National’s catalog and their 11-year career that has taken them all over the world, into the pages of Rolling Stone, and even showing off the latest hip threads in GQ. Opting for an eight-piece arrangement, complete with a horn section and violinist, The National was able to pull off sounding as intricate live as they do in studio. All their small inflections and attention to detail were on full display with highlights like opener “Runway,” the intensely swelling “Fake Empire,” and crowd-pleasing “Squalor Victoria.” The show reached new heights only four songs in when “Bloodbuzz Ohio” began with an explosion of applause.

    Even though The National packed their Ohio bags years ago and hightailed it to indie-music-capital Brooklyn, their powerful performance showed that there will always be a soft spot in their collective musical hearts for Ohio – and maybe more importantly, the people who make the music here a worthy experience. People like their fans. People like Andyman.

    This review was written by Josh Fitzwater and brought you by the Franklin University Plaza at the LC Pavilion. For more information about shows that Josh and the Franklin crew will be attending and for chances to win tickets to concerts all summer long, visit www.franklin.edu/concerts or like us on Facebook.

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    Josh Fitzwater
    Josh Fitzwater
    Josh Fitzwater is the director of online marketing and strategy at FWD: Video & Social Branding. FWD: is a digital branding firm specializing in video and social storytelling located in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 2013, FWD: strives to connect a brand to its audience with innovation and sentiment. Learn more about FWD at www.letsgofwd.com.
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