The National to begin recording new album

The National's frontman Matt Berninger has discussed some new songs which may or may not make up part of the follow-up to their last album, High Violet.

He claims the Brooklyn quintet have been working on the new songs on tour, saying:

"We're getting really excited about the new record. I feel like we're kind of ready. Of course, all that being said, it all may change completely - six months from now we might just throw everything away that we've been working on and start from scratch. You never know".

Speaking about guitarist Aaron Dessner, he said:

"Aaron seems to be in some sort of really weird creative space. He recently had a baby, so maybe it's a lack of sleep.

He's wired differently. The songs he's given me are much less cerebral and academic and much more immediate and visceral than usual.

I'm in love with them. I just spent all night listening over and over to some things he sent. I think they're some of the best things he's ever written".