The New Pornographers – “Together”
Matador
– out today!
4 / 5
The first thing to notice on the fifth album by Vancouver’s New Pornographers is the heavy, deep cello and guitar providing the opening bassline to what is, for many, a highly anticipated return. To judge that this particular release is more “Together” as the name suggests, is to overlook the groups already gorgeous sense of balance and musical coherence; in fact, “Together” is just slightly less so than their previous (and wonderful) album “Challengers.” While that cello provides satisfying contrast on “Crash Years,” it seems slightly overbalanced on that opener “Moves,” and on “Your Hands (Together),”earning “Together” just a hair lower than we’d give “Challengers.” Are we complaining? I hope not, because this still is a fantastic album, and a breath of joy to anyone unfamiliar with the Pornographers. Recommended.
Listen to “Crash Years”: www.myspace.com/453173424