"I mean, I guess this is like The National in that there are baritone vocals"
This is as far as the comparison should go, yup
"but these guys have so much more energy and passion and sincerity"
Energy, absolutely. These tracks are a million times more forthright than the National's, but I'm not sure if being more transparent in their passion and sincerity necessarily means GOY have more. The National are wry, guarded and ultimately more nuanced in a way that's appropriate to their craft (and which this album doesn't require!), but there's definitely a candid scope to their writing, and this is ultimately the reason their tracks are so enduring imo. This is such a case of different strokes that it isn't really worth setting one against the other.
tl;dr National comparisons are unhelpful to both parties and yes, there is baritone.

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

The most egregious National rip here is Keep Me In the Open. The first time I heard it I figured Berninger would be suing the shit out of these guys. What an amazing song it is.

Album Rating: 4.5

Yeah, Keep Me in the Open sounds a LOT like National. The drum fills in particular scream Bryan Devendorf.

Album Rating: 4.5

Don't think so?

Album Rating: 5.0

"The most egregious National rip here is Keep Me In the Open."



OK, fair point



"These tracks are a million times more forthright than the National's, but I'm not sure if being more transparent in their passion and sincerity necessarily means GOY have more."



Hmm, that is a well-articulated take. Maybe I should have said "earnestness" instead of sincerity.

Album Rating: 5.0

Any chance of a new song soon?

Album Rating: 4.5

"The most egregious National rip here is Keep Me In the Open."



Lol, I remember putting this on at home and my dad remarking how recognizable Keep Me In The Open was as a song by The National, not knowing it was a different band.



But other than that song, I think they have a different style.

Album Rating: 2.5

I think this record is one of the most important albums of our time. That it's musically amazing in every turn is just a bonus.

hear more albums

Album Rating: 3.0

luci

October 16th 2017





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wouldn't mind an alt-right controversy taking this band down

Album Rating: 4.0

This band is from Sydney, and I've been traveling on the east coast of Australia and been hearing these songs played at random places. Went back to the album and appreciated it more when I played songs out of order. Had to bump up my rating.

Album Rating: 4.7

glad to hear it Talons, having Let Me Down Easy come on at the pub with the lads is a rare and vaunted pleasure

Album Rating: 5.0

if Let Me Down Easy came on at a DC bar, it might actually be worth it to spend $9USD on a beer

Album Rating: 5.0

My god, this is so great. Halfway through it, but it's so smooth

Easily one of 2010's greatest rock albums.

Album Rating: 5.0

Where on this planet is one beer 9 dollars?!

Album Rating: 5.0

East Coast big cities

Album Rating: 4.5

^ Applies to the US and to Australia as well.

Album Rating: 5.0

That's madness. No beer is worth that amount.

Album Rating: 3.9 | Sound Off

have you ever heard of Westvleteren ?