Ever since their debut in 2000, Canada’s New Pornographers have steadily gained listeners with their explosive brand of indie-pop. Back then, with only one joint record under their belt, bassist John Collins publically referred to the band as a supergroup. While such a claim undoubtedly elicited blank stares from American rock aficionados, looking at each member in the context of Vancouver’s 90s music scene uncovers some rather illustrious pasts. Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Dan Bejar is perhaps the obvious example, with a full-time job as the frontman of fellow Vancouver act Destroyer. But then there’s songwriter A.C. Newman, who made his start with the Sup Pop-signed group Zumpano; bassist and producer John Collins, who played in the garage rock band Thee Evaporators; and alt country songstress Neko Case, who has gone on to perhaps the most fame of the group.

When they come together on a New Pornographers record their far-reaching influences shine through, creating a multidimensional sound that stretches from soaring, harmonic melodies to strapping guitar riffs and bubbly synth chords.

Their masterful 2005 record Twin Cinema gained them the clout and reputation that they now possess. The album landed them at the top of year-end lists across critical mediums and was lauded for its grand confidence, rhythmic complexities, and wonderfully obscure lyricism that begs repeated listens. 

The New Pornographers
Crystal Ballroom
Oct. 8The New Pornographers are currently touring off of their latest project, Brill Bruiser, released this August. The record presents a band reinvigorated after a four-year hiatus in which Bejar produced a new Destroyers album, and both Newman and Case released reflective solo works. At 13 tracks, it’s a hefty album, but one that features a cohesive, modern sound: embracing the nuances of a synth board more and incorporating concordant vocal treatment, all the while maintaining that forceful, dynamic energy that they’re known and loved for. 

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