Album Review: Matt Berninger - 'Get Sunk'

Alt superstar Matt Berninger, (vocalist of The National) is back with his sophomore solo LP titled Get Sunk. The result is a polished effort from the indie musician with ten songs that were composed over the past several years by Berninger. According to a press release, Berninger would jot lyrics down on old baseballs while creating works of art out of random items into works of art. The album comes post move for Berninger and his family from their long-time residence of Los Angeles, to the quieter Connecticut.

Berninger has always been a masterful lyricists who paints his pain with careful strokes into his work. He's a savant songwriter who toiles with timing, wordplay, and more. The same is true on Get Sunk. For the album, Berninger worked with Grammy Award-winning producer and Sean O'Brien for this effort and collaborated with a number of musicians on the delivery. Though Berninger composed many of the songs over the past few years, he did go back and rewrite many of the lyrics and re-record the vocal sessions for the LP.

Much of Berninger's work takes an introspective focus. However, on Get Sunk, one of the key themes at play is how the individual needs the collective of those around them. Get Stuck experiments with guitar and instrumentation a bit more than his previous effort, especially on the single "Bonnet of Pins". While it does have a trademark Berninger tinge, you can also feel the influence of his band The National as well, including in the accompanying backing vocals and that dynamic guitar work.

Berninger shows he's still willing to slow it down like virtually no one else does on the track "Frozen Oranges" which begins with solemn piano play and a soft drum beat holding the rhythm in the background. Berninger's traditional baritone voice takes center stage on all the tracks because despite other artist's attempts, he may be imitated, but he is never duplicated.

This collection of tracks is a heartfelt exploration that isn't necessarily a narrative into Berninger's own self, but rather tackles larger questions of misery and bliss. We have to say we absolutely are thrilled that Berninger continues to share his gift because Get Sunk is another homerun from the musician who just cannot seem to do wrong. If you're a fan of The National, Get Sunk is must listen for you. If you're not a fan of The National, the same applies.

Rating - 5/5