The National Return to Australia 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 in February 2014. The tour kicks off in Adelaide before heading to Sydney (where they'll be performing on the Opera House forecourt), Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Given we're an island 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? We've loved them doubly ever since. The National first came to Australia in 2008 to promote their fourth album, Boxer, before coming back in 2010 and 2011 for the Falls Festival and Harvest. They took a break for a few years before returning 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.

Update 4 September: The National will perform a second and final show on the Forecourt, on Friday, 7 February, after selling out their first performance in under an hour. Tickets will go on sale at midday tomorrow, Thursday 5 September.

The 2014 tour dates are:

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.

For more information see the Handsome Tours website.