See You Later, Alligator

Alligator Review:
The National's third album Alligator is far from spectacular. The Brooklyn based band blend of indie, folk and country is occasionally seamless but mostly chunky. The country influenced songs seem more natural, whilst the indie seems less so. The real gem of the album is track five, Daughters of the Soho Riots, presumably written about the Stonewall Riots. Alligator incites no emotion, unlike its precursor Boxer. It strives to be as creative as indie folk brethren like Bon Iver and Jose Gonzalez, the efforts are unfounded and acheive little more than a subpar, awkward attempt at greatness. The lyrics are mostly good but don't suit the music behind them. Three and a half stars given with snaps for effort.