Friday, May 28, 2010
By Duncan Gregory
Theme Editor
For the past 13 years, the New Pornographers have churned out album after solid album of brainy power pop. Since forming in 1997, this Canadian rock band has developed an unrefined sound that carries its own charismatic energy. “Together,” their newest album, was released on May 4 and did not fail to satisfy listeners.
The New Pornographers have an impressive track record, having been named the 24th best indie band of all time by Blender magazine. Their second album, “The Electric Version,” was also named the 79th best album on Rolling Stone’s 100 best albums of the decade list.
In their developing stages, they released vibrant compositions such as “The Electric Vision” and “Twin Cinema.”
After trying a more relaxed but semi-deficient sound on their 2007 album “Challengers,” the New Pornographers returned to the roots of their magnetic appeal for “Together.”
The arrangement of catchy pop tunes and solemn ballads that the band composes are constructed of similar elements: elusive vocals, crunchy drums, spacey guitar, power-pop piano and overall upbeat liveliness. Song structure like this is heard on tracks such as “Silver Jenny Dollar” and “Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk.”
Lead singers Neko Case, Carl Newman and Dan Bejar produce melodic harmonies that pair well with folk guitar and faded drums in bonus track “Electric Child of Witchcraft Rising” and remind listeners of songs from their classic release “Twin Cinema.”
Although all the songs are satisfactory to the New Pornographers’ typical audience, some tracks of “Together” blend in with previous records of the band. “If You Can’t See My Mirrors” and bonus track “Georgia Don’t You Know” are enjoyable, but they lack a certain zip and zeal that songs from “The Electric Version” possesses.
“Your Hands (Together)” seizes the powerful enthusiasm that makes the New Pornographers one of the best indie rock bands. With a sporadic drum beat and grandoise vocals, this song is one of the best hits that the New Pornographers have fabricated.
The weakest song on the album is “Valkyrie in the Roller Disco” because it is a failed attempt to create yet another somber record after the half-baked drama they tried to display in “Challengers.”
However, the stand-out song off of “Together” is “Moves,” in which Newman takes lead vocals and Blaine Thurier backs up the guitar riff with delicate piano. “Moves” is a passionate ballad that defines the band’s style.
“Together” is a successful combination of the New Pornographers’ thriving past compositions. “Together” is available on iTunes and at most retail stores.
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