Watch: The National Share Animated Video for “Laugh Track” Feat. Phoebe Bridgers

Today, The National released the official video for “Laugh Track,” the title track of their surprise LP, which was released on Sept. 18. The song features euphonious singing by Phoebe Bridgers–her third collaboration with The National this year–and the video was directed and animated by Bernard Derriman (Bob’s Burgers) and includes 3D animation by Adam Phillips.

The video follows a couple sitting at a dinner table in something of a grey void, the only color being a dull wine-red stain on a cork. The smooth and buoyant animation by Derriman has proven to be a lovely addition to music and singing, as seen by the Blecher family on many an occasion, and comes in with a full swing in the video. Over a simmering beat, Matt Berninger casts out lyrics rooted in reflection and doubt with a monotone cadence of begrudging acceptance.

Soon after, Bridger’s character joins him at the table, mirroring him physically, sonically and psychologically. While making eye contact the two harmonize as a sea of laughing heads rise and begin to swallow their characters whole. “Her voice is the soft edge of the song,” said Berninger of Bridgers’ contribution to the song. “It takes some of the snarky, sarcastic bitterness out of it and makes it sweet and gentle.”

As they sit and a lyrical turn shift unfolds the female character lifts her partner from the depths and together they launch into a blue sky singing, “Turn on the laugh track / We’ll see if it changes the scene/ Maybe this is just the funniest version of us that we’ve ever seen.”

Despite the heavy lyrical content weighted by thoughts of maybe never “lightening up” the union of the distinct voices blended with sweeping instrumentation from The National leaves the listener with a profound sense of acceptance that naturally gives way to a spark of hope.

Watch the official video for The National’s “Laugh Track” below.

The National Tour Dates

November 16, 2023 – Tulsa, OK — Tulsa Theater %

November 17, 2023 – Austin, TX — Moody Center %

November 18, 2023 – Houston, TX — Lawn at White Oak % 

November 19, 2023 – Irving, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory %

February 24, 2024 – Auckland, New Zealand — Spark Arena

February 25, 2024 – Wellington, New Zealand — Tsb Arena

February 28, 2024 – Brisbane, Australia — Riverstage ~`

March 1, 2024 – Sydney, Australia — Aware Super Theatre ~`

March 2, 2024 – Sydney, Australia — Aware Super Theatre ~`

March 5, 2024 – Melbourne, Australia — Sidney Myer Music Bowl ~`

March 6, 2024 – Melbourne, Australia — Sidney Myer Music Bowl ~`

March 9, 2024 – Perth, Australia — Kings Park & Botanic Garden ~`

June 2, 2024 – Milan, Italy — Carroponte

June 3, 2024 – Rome, Italy — Cavea of the Auditorium Parco della Musica

June 5, 2024 – Paris, France — Zenith de Paris #

June 21, 2024 – Scheeßel, Germany — Hurricane Festival

June 22, 2024 – Neuhausen ob Eck, Germany — Southside Festival

June 24, 2024 – Zagreb, Croatia — INmusic Festival

June 25, 2024 – Vienna, Austria — Stadthalle ^

June 27, 2024 – Bonn, Germany — Kunst!Rasen ^

June 28, 2024 – Antwerp, Belgium — Live Is Live – Middenvijver

July 2, 2024 – Cornwall, UK — Eden Sessions #

July 3, 2024 – Cardiff, UK — Cardiff Castle +

July 4, 2024 – Manchester, UK — Sounds of the City, Castlefield Bowl #

July 5, 2024 – London, UK — Crystal Palace Park #+!

July 11, 2024 – Edinburgh, UK — Edinburgh Castle ^

August 6, 2024 – Copenhagen, Denmark — Royal Arena

Support:

% Hand Habits

~ Very Special Guests Fleet Foxes

` Annie Hamilton

# This Is The Kit

+ Unknown Mortal Orchestra

! Kevin Morby

^ Bess Atwell