The National, Cat Power & Phoebe Bridgers – The Mann Center – Philadelphia, PA – September 27, 2

Updated: Jun 20, 2022

The National, Cat Power & Phoebe Bridgers – The Mann Center for the Performing Arts – Philadelphia, PA – September 27, 2018

The National brought their “Sleep Well Beast” tour back to Philadelphia for the third time on September 27 at The Mann. Fall could be felt in the cool night air as the art rockers brought their dazzling lights and mazes of emotions and sounds to life for a crowd drinking in their every chord.

Lead singer Matt Berninger ventured into the crowd on multiple occasions while the crowd provided great singing support, especially on the night’s closing number “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks.” The night featured a rarity in “So Far Around the Bend” (played live for the first time in nine years) and a brilliant cover of opener Cat Power’s “Maybe Not.”

Phoebe Bridgers began the Thursday night with her shimmering sadness. It was the fourth time I have seen her live this year; she gets better each time. Cat Power played the second set of the night, with lush and startling works that were a brilliant if brief taste. I cannot wait for her return to Philly in December.

The National certainly satisfied with their rich guitars and postmodern lyrics. A little more edge would have been appreciated, with “Mr. November” and “Fake Empire” providing hints of their rich rock possibilities. The lushness of “Sleep Well Beast” is where they are and as they draw their own maps of musical possibilities, I cannot wait to drive on their next musical highway.

Chris Sikich