See The National Perform Stirring New Song ‘Eucalyptus’ At Intimate Woodstock Concert

Earlier this month The National showcased material from their upcoming new album, First Two Pages Of Frankenstein, during a show held at the cozy Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, New York. The band posted pro-shot video of their “Eucalyptus” performance from the March 4th concert.

“Eucalyptus” is the third single from The National’s ninth studio album, which is due out via 4AD on April 28. The 11-song self-produced LP was recorded near Bearsville Theater at Long Pond Studios. Sufjan Stevens, Phoebe Bridgers and Taylor Swift each made guest appearances on the follow-up to 2019’s I Am Easy To Find.

The National — Matt Berninger, Bryce Dessner, Aaron Dessner, Scott Devendorf and Bryan Devendorf — opened the intimate affair in Woodstock by performing 10 of the 11 cuts featured on First Two Pages Of Frankenstein. Four were live debuts but not “Eucalyptus.” The second track on the forthcoming LP was first played live at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York on September 23, 2022 after the band worked out the song during soundcheck.

“We rehearsed it twice without ever having had a demo and played it to the audience that night, and what you hear on the album was partially recorded during that performance,” Matt Berninger recalled of premiering “Eucalyptus” at The Cap. “It’s got this raw, immediate feeling, and it made sense to leave the rough edges instead of trying to perfect them.”

Watch the The National perform “Eucalyptus” in Woodstock on March 4 below: