There may not be two more impassioned vocalists in the indie rock landscape than Annie Clark (aka St. Vincent) and the Nationalâs Matt Berninger. Last night, Clark joined the National on-stage in Los Angeles to help them debut a brand new song called, âProm Song 13th Century (Frankie & Johnny.)â
Before the duet, Berninger teased Clark, âThis is important to me. Donât step on my lines, please.â He then rushed over to kiss her on the cheek before diving in to the intimate ballad. Despite the mediocre sound quality of the fan-shot footage (see below), the pairâs voices sound fantastic together, and we hope the track ends up on the next National record.
The National, as Consequence of Sound reports, are currently touring to test out new material for a forthcoming album, as they did last weekend when we saw them in New Yorkâs inaugural Panorama Music Festival. The record is still unannounced, but, whenever it does arrive, it will be the bandâs seventh, and their first since the excellent 2013 LP, Trouble Will Find Me.
Clark has also previously collaborated with the National for a cover of Crooked Fingersâ âSleep All Summer,â and sheâs joined the band onstage several times. Maybe the two entities should consider joining forces for a full-on record? St. Vincent famously made a record with David Byrne, so there is some precedentâjust saying.
Check out the new song above, as well as two other, previously debuted tracks that might make The Nationalâs upcoming record (“The Day I Die” and “Checking Out“). Let us know which one is your favorite in the comments below.
Image:Â starbright31