The National play ’90-Mile Water Wall’ with Richard Reed Parry
After a hiatus, The National pulled off a major artistic comeback, marking their first full-band concert since 2024. The performance, billed as ‘The National And Friends’, took place last night at the closing night of the AB100 festival, held at the Kursaal Auditorium in San Sebastián.
This wasn’t just a routine gig; it was a deeply collaborative event that brought a fresh energy to the stage. The night featured special guest Richard Reed Parry, a multi-instrumentalist and composer known for his work with Arcade Fire, joining the band for a unique setlist that blended classic tracks with profound new material.
A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a rare performance. The band brought back the iconic track ‘90-Mile Water Wall’ for the first time in over a decade, a moment that resonated deeply with the audience.
Parry’s involvement wasn’t coincidental. He has a history of working alongside The National, contributing instrumental and vocal harmonies on albums like ‘Trouble Will Find Me’ (2010) and ‘Trouble Will Find Me’ (2013). This collaboration brought a rich layer of shared history and musical depth to the performance.
The setlist was a journey through their catalog, opening with powerful tracks like ‘Humiliation’, ‘This Is the Last Time’, and ‘Don’t Swallow the Cap’. The performance showcased their ability to transition seamlessly, moving through beloved songs like ‘Lemonworld’—which featured Parry—to deeper cuts such as ‘Oblivions’ and ‘Smoke Detector’.
The evening also featured intriguing collaborations. The band performed ‘Sorrow’ twice, including a unique rendition alongside visual artist Ragnar Kjartansson, reflecting the band’s ongoing engagement with performance art.
Later in the set, the band tackled tracks like ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio’, sharing the stage with Parry again. The performance culminated with a reflective tone, including songs like ‘About Today’, and an encore featuring ‘Once Upon a Poolside’ and ‘Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks’.
The night was part of a larger celebration of musical history, as the venue hosted performances that drew from various artistic corners. Prior to the main event, the band members Matt Berninger and the Dessners had performed with a stellar lineup, including Ben Howard, Kevin Morby, Jon Hopkins, and R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, creating an atmospheric backdrop for the celebration.
The concert served as a vibrant reminder of The National’s creative momentum. Following their recent studio album, ‘Laugh Track’, the band continues to explore new sonic territories, embodying the creative ‘gardening phase’ that fuels their ongoing musical evolution.
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