Indie sweethearts The National ended their 18-date 2023 North American tour in Toronto after playing their headlining slot at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The National has come a long way from the struggling days in New York City in the late ’90s to become one of the most critically acclaimed indie bands. They have accumulated loyal followers who have enjoyed the ride with them, and it is a testament to their longevity. Surprisingly, some younger people were in the Toronto crowd, accompanied by their parents, maybe due to key collaborations by Phoebe Bridges and Taylor Swift on their fantastic ninth album, First Two Pages of Frankenstein. The National opened their set with the mellow, meditative and emotional brooding track, “Once Upon a Poolside,” which was only ruined by people ch...