Get Up and Grow
Since 2000, multi-vocalist pop-outfit The New Pornographers have been unleashing albums that combine colorful harmonies, unusual time signatures, and swirling psychedelic instrumentation. On their newest release, the fast-paced Twin Cinema, the band is looking to expand its sound even further. On the opening track, one that recalls the band’s more rock-driven sound, it is obvious that the band’s chief songwriter and vocalist, AC Newman, is in top form. An unbelievably catchy chorus and verses that are fun to sing along with make this a perfect summer driving song. On tracks such as “The Bones of an Idol” and “Falling Through Your Clothes,” the band begins to fuse their old sound with new orchestral leanings.
The Piano-driven “The Bones of an Idol” is simplistic in nature, and rests comfortably on a breezy harmony sung by vocalist Neko Case. “Falling Through Your Clothes” is the most unlikely song to be included on the album, but also the most interesting. Sounding like a The Who Sell Out B-Side or something from the latest Fiery Furnaces album, the song is highly psychedelic with constant structural shifts and theater-esque choral arrangements. It’s always exciting when a band can pack a song with several musical segments, while keeping it focused and under 3 minutes.
The only down sides to Twin Cinema are the songs in which Newman and Case do not sing. Although the other vocalists are no less enjoyable, there is nothing like the magic of the seasoned Newman/Case collaboration. However, there is always room for growth within a band that continues to add to its palette of sound.
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