Simply Superb
Canadian folk pop outfit The New Pornographers return with an album that crosses the gritty songwriting delights of Bob Dylan with the aching and lucid textures of Arcade Fire's instrumentation to create a gripping indie album.
'All The Old Show Stoppers' sounds wonderfully polished and combines sighing vocals, a chirpy rhythm and low string tones for an engaging and highly impressive tune. Long term collaborator Neko Case has begun to make a fine career for herself, and her vocals still lend a rich, deep and reassuring edge to plenty of the tunes, but with the New Pornographers there's always another instrument or singer along in a minute, keeping the album fresh and intriguing. Title track 'Challengers' glides over you with an ocean of soothing, but fascinating sounds, including a rippling mandolin.
'Myriad Harbour' is a big crashing tune that changes dynamics swiftly and whisks the listener along for the ride, it's a fabulous pop tune with so many different layers to unwrap and delight in, with visceral lyrics like, "I took a plane, I took a trip, who cares, you always end up in the city" playing out over giddy backing. The pace is maintained in the careering, 'All The Things That Go To Make Heaven And Earth', phew, even the name is an indication of this speedy and manic track featuring roving keyboards and skittering casio notes.
The sumptuous vocal harmonies are used to earth shattering effect on tracks like, 'Unguided' and 'Adventures In Solitude' which pursue infinite progression with each vocalist having their own unique lilt, which when mixed creates an ineffable and ungodly sound. Elsewhere where guitars roam free, there's a likeness to Modest Mouse's more unhinged work.
Glorious and jubilant are the only words to describe tracks like, 'Mutiny, I Promise You' which tie together this fabulous and euphoric album. 'Challengers' is a must listen, a rare gem of an album that will truly delight from start to finish.