During two headlining nights at this year’s inaugural Homecoming Festival in Cincinnati, Ohio; hometown heroes The National debuted a new song called “Light Years” along with playing their 2007 album Boxer in it’s entirety. The National hosted the event in association with MusicNow and brought a lineup that also featured performances by Mouse on Mars, Sam Amidon, Spank Rock, Father John Misty, Feist, Future Islands and The Breeders.

The song is a heartfelt offering that features emotional piano lines and vocalist Matt Berninger delivers his signature somber tone with lyrics that are beautifully open for interpretation. The band sends a three minute message accompanied by a powerful live imagery most certainly giving fans in attendance a great performance.

The National released their self-titled debut in 2001 and most recently released their seventh studio album Sleep Well Beast in September.  The band will follow Homecoming Festival with a group of tour dates along with support from Brooklyn indie rockers Big Thief and they will also make an appearance at Shaky Knees Music Festival on Sunday May 6. Additionally The National will host their own two night gathering in New York called There’s No leaving New York with Future Islands, Cat Power and U.S. Girls among many more.

You can view the performance below.

Photo Credit: Sharon Alagna