The National to Return Down Under in February

After headlining Splendour in the Grass earlier this year, The National are bringing their moody, Nick Cave-esque brand of indie rock back to Australia and New Zealand in February 2014. The tour kicks off in Auckland before heading to Adelaide (where they'll be performing on the Opera House forecourt), Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Given we're a collection of islands on the other side of the world, it took the New York-based band a while to make their way Down Under, but better late than never right? After a break for a few years, we are grateful that they have returned with their sixth album, Trouble Will Find Me, which is being hailed as their best to date.

After appearances at several major festivals like Reading and Leeds and Lollapalooza, The National are fast building a reputation as a must-see live act. Fans can expect to hear some of their older songs, like 'Demons', 'Bloodbuzz Ohio' and 'Fake Empire' (which was controversially used in a Mitt Romney election video without their knowledge) as well as newer stuff from Trouble Will Find Me.

The 2014 tour dates are:

Tuesday 4 February - Vector Arena, Auckland
Ticketmaster pre-sale from Tuesday 27th August
General public tickets on sale Monday, 2nd September, 9am NZ time

Thursday 6 February – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
Handsome Tours pre-sale from Thursday 29th August.
General public tickets on sale Tuesday 3rd September, 9am AEST.

Saturday 8 February– Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney.
Opera House pre-sale from Tuesday 29th August.
General public tickets on sale Friday 30th August, 9am AEST.

Sunday 9 February - Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne.
Handsome Tours pre-sale from Thursday 29th August.
General public tickets on sale Tuesday 3rd September, 9am AEST.

Tuesday 11 February - Riverstage, Brisbane.
Handsome Tours pre-sale from Thursday 29th August.
General public tickets on sale Tuesday 3rd September, 9am AEST.

Friday 14 February - Belvoir Amphitheatre, Perth.
Perth Festival pre sale from Thursday 7 November.
General public tickets on sale Tuesday 12 November, 9am WST.