Matt Berninger, the charismatic frontman of The National, deepens his musical storytelling with his second solo album Get Sunk, released on May 30, 2025. The album marks a creative rebirth following the personal struggles Berninger faced during the pandemic — depression, creative blocks, and emotional isolation.
🎧 Structure & Collaborations
Get Sunk is characterized by alternative rock textures woven with Berninger’s signature baritone vocals. Co-written with Grammy-winning producer Sean O’Brien and recorded in a basement studio in LA’s Silverlake neighborhood, the album features collaborations with Meg Duffy of Hand Habits, Julia Laws from Ronboy, and Booker T. Jones.
🎵 Standout Tracks
The opening track, “Inland Ocean,” offers glimpses into Berninger’s childhood memories and his bond with nature. “Bonnet of Pins” highlights his lyrical precision and attention to emotional detail. The duet “Breaking Into Acting,” performed with Hand Habits, is a reflective exploration of the performative aspects of identity and stage presence.
🎨 Artistic Approach
In Get Sunk, Berninger ventures beyond music into visual expression. He reportedly wrote lyrics on baseballs, among other unconventional methods, as part of his creative process. Water is a recurring motif throughout the album — evoking a sense of depth and fluidity, both metaphorically and literally.
🎤 Conclusion
Get Sunk reflects both a personal and artistic evolution for Matt Berninger. While retaining the melancholic atmosphere familiar to fans of The National, his solo effort offers a more intimate and vulnerable narrative. The album invites listeners on a musical and emotional voyage — one that plunges into the quiet, haunting beauty of introspection.
