The National announce new album 'First Two Pages Of Frankenstein' featuring Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, and Sufjan Stevens.

The National have today announced their ninth studio album, 'First Two Pages Of Frankenstein' (out April 28th) - featuring guest appearances from Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, and Sufjan Stevens - and shared a new song, 'Tropic Morning News'.

About the new album, Matt Berninger says he was navigating "a very dark spot where I couldn’t come up with lyrics or melodies at all. Even though we’d always been anxious whenever we were working on a record, this was the first time it ever felt like maybe things really had come to an end."

Instead, The National "managed to come back together and approach everything from a different angle, and because of that we arrived at what feels like a new era for the band," according to Bryce Dessner.

About their new song, Aaron Dessner shares: "When Matt came in with that song in the depths of his depression, it felt like a turning point for us. It’s almost Dylan-esque in its lyrics and it’s so much fun to play; everything suddenly felt like it was coming alive again."

And Berninger adds: "The idea of referring to the darkness of the news in such a light way unlocked something in me. It became a song about having a hard time expressing yourself, and trying to connect with someone when the noise of the world is drowning out any potential for conversation."

Tracklist for the album:
Once Upon A Poolside (feat. Sufjan Stevens)
Eucalyptus
New Order T-Shirt
This Isn't Helping (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)
Tropic Morning News
Alien
The Alcott (feat. Taylor Swift)
Grease In Your Hair
Ice Machines
Your Mind Is Not Your Friend (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)
Send For Me

Listen to the new song below...