The National took The O2 by storm last night with a mesmeric yet measured performance worthy of their biggest Irish headliner to date.

With Matt Berninger on typically quiet/LOUD/quiet form (his running battle with his microphone and stand was something to behold as was his cute admission that despite such lofty surroundings, "We were happy in Whelan's"), the band - bolstered by excellent brass and strings sections - powered through a two-hour set that leaned heavily on new album Trouble Will Find Me and live favourites such as 'Terrible Love', 'Fake Empire' (of which the trumpet-led outro got arguably the biggest roar of the night) and a winsome, hushed version of 'Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks'.

Look out for the full Hot Press verdict in the next issue. For now, check out Mark Nixon's fine photography from the night. View the full gallery of shots here.