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Deeply intense and engulfed in darkness, the Brooklyn boys aren't easy to watch but it's a relatively tight performance, with newest album High Violet transferring perfectly to the stage. Bryan Devendorf stars behind his kit, pounding the drums with vigour and limitless energy, effortlessly layering one beat upon another and another. "Squalor Victoria" is a particular highlight, with frontman Berninger remaining relatively aloof and debonair until the epic climax, screaming down the microphone as the distorted, delay ridden guitars create a cavalcade of noise. There's a few occasional niggles in respect of the sound but the biggest problem facing The National is how to engage the crowd past the first five rows of revellers. "Mr November" and "England" are the closest the band get to traditional anthems but they're the wrong choice for this stage and this slot. Fans of the National will have been enthralled by a spectacular set that reminds us of their talent and power, and they're arguably one of the best bands to come from America in the past five years.

Crazy In Love: "Fake Empire" is a magical moment with pockets of the crowd singing every world, but "Terrible Love" is astonishing. The phrasing is succinct and beautiful, sounding ten times better live than on record but Berninger's antics at the end steal the show. He runs off the stage, tries to jump into the crowd (being somewhat restricted by security before they give up) and then gets lost in the audience, unable to sing into the microphone and finish the track : the rest of the band (ably aided by several hundred punters) pick up the slack. Amazing.

Why Don't You Love Me: Aside from those sound problems at the start of the set, it would be needlessly picky to complain about anything. A strong setlist, great individual performances and amusing crowd interaction were on show. It's just a case of circumstance that prevents this from becoming a classic.

Oxegen Rating: 9/10