The National @ O2 Academy, 26 Nov

A steady ascent is a rare thing in the contemporary indie rock landscape, but from the humble success of Alligator onwards The National have become an incrementally staggering exception. Explaining to the sold out Academy that they’ve returned to the scene of their “lowest point” tonight – sleeping on wet pants in a Euro Hostel bunk after playing to five folk at Sleazy’s some years ago – the perception is that they’ve run the treadmill to get here with some dignity.

Leaning heavily on material from 2007’s Boxer and this year’s chart-bothering sequel, High Violet, shouts of “Abel!” are swept aside by the sheer majesty of their latter-day catalogue – loaded with affecting pathos and profound emotional triggers. Much like the slow-burning nature of their songs, those albums, and the curve of Matt Berninger and co’s success so far, their set unfurls with surefooted purpose.

As they finally bring the house to its feet for Mr November, the typically shy Berninger takes a glorious moment to wade in the arms of fans as he howls the chorus, meeting the determination of the song’s eponymous protagonist head-on. Turning the microphones off for a breathtaking encore of the lilting ballad Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks, The National gracefully depart with the crowd's heart in their hands. [Dave Kerr]