SoundBites: LNZNDRF, Low, The National

The National, with Bryan Devendorf (second left) and Scott Devendorf (fourth from left) of LNZNDRF.

You could be forgiven for thinking the band LNZNDRF had something to do with New Zealand, given those two little letters buried in there.

But no. It's the collaboration between Ben Lanz of Beirut and Bryce and Scott and Bryan Devendorf of The National. See what they did there? Lanz 'n Dorf.

But there is a New Zealand connection. Those of us lucky enough to see The National live at the Powerstation in 2011 caught the germination of this band.

As a couple of local sites have reported, confusion over the opening act led to the trio (Lanz plays horns with the National) performing an impromptu 30-minute jam.

The band have announced an eight-song self-titled release, due out February 19, but an early listen reveals a dark, beautiful, compelling series of jams.

Meanwhile, The National's Bryce Dessner has been scoring the ballet The Most Incredible Thing, set to premiere in New York next week.

Along with singer Matt Berninger's own side project - the band EL VY - how will The National ever get around to that new album?

Low's Ones and Sixes was one of the best albums of 2015 - now we can see them perform it live with two dates booked for April. They play Wellington's Bodega on the 1st and the King's Arms in Auckland on the 2nd.

Meanwhile, fans of Modest Mouse won't have missed the news this month that the Washington State band are on their way Downunder.

They join The National and Kendrick Lamar among the 40-odd acts on the bill for Auckland City Limits at Western Springs on March 19.

Revisit a classic

The National's Boxer came out in 2007. Featuring the amazing singles Mistaken for Strangers and Apartment Story, its most powerful moment is opening track and third single Fake Empire, which begins slowly and sadly and builds into a horns-filled romp while Berninger pulls no punches with the lyrics.

To be fair, each of the 12 songs on the album is excellent, and while Boxer is the fourth of six albums, it's the perfect starting point for those yet to enjoy the sheer brilliance of The National.