New Pornographers: ‘Challengers’
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New Pornographers Challengers Rating: 4.5/5 Tracks to download: “All the Things that go to making Heaven and Earth,” “Challengers,” “Myriad Habour” For fans of: Spoon, Peter Bjorn and John, Neko Case’s voice |
No matter what I say about “Challengers”, someone is going to disagree. No, it is not the best album of the year. No, it is not The New Pornographers’ musical masterpiece of the decade. But it is an utterly magnificent and complex piece of work.
It is a true combination of individual talents rather than a recognized group effort. Different than previous efforts, yet still adhering to their unique version of power-pop, their fourth album follows with a much needed new sound and tempo for the band.
This Canadian group is made up of three artists with day jobs: Neko Case and Carl (AC) Newman both have expansive solo careers while Dan Bejar is a member of Destroyer.
Newman has always been the conductor of the train, which prevails through the abilities of the individual talents at work. This element of duality in the New Pornographers’ music transforms “Challengers” into more of a compilation of solos; songs written by Newman or Bejar are half-heartedly transformed into more of a group effort.
Though the sound is more mature, reflecting Newman’s mellow feel, the four vocalists included in the album make for a pleasant compilation.
The title track, “Challengers,” features Case on vocals in a strong yet slow song, different than the explosive pop featured on previous albums. She dolefully sings that, “We are challengers of the unknown,” making for a moving track.
They do keep with their usual upbeat pop, however, with a few songs full of lively musical climaxes, forming a story-like melody.
“All of the Things that Go to Making Heaven and Earth” fits wonderfully with their infamous musical momentum, though the CD itself is much slower and modest than past recordings. Unfortunately, the newer sounds form an uncharacteristically whimpering album, lacking the brash confidence of previous works.
The lack of “booms and clashes” from “Challengers” is welcomed. It remarkably captures the talent of the individual successes within the group and champions on their strengths.
Making use of Newman’s pounding baritone guitar, flutes and a vibrant string section creates an off kilter mixtape of styles and sounds. The songs are almost seductive, with no apparent flow from one song to the next, and they leave the listener hanging on a mystery of what is to come next. This newest New Pornographers album truly “challenges” the listener. Clutch, is it not?
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