Together

Artist: The New Pornographers
Label: Matador/Remote Control
Website: thenewpornographers.com

In the beginning, I don't think many people thought we would see a sophomore outing from this Canadian supergroup, let alone album number 5, but that is exactly what we have from The New Pornographers and their new release Together.

Right away, you will notice that the group have their upbeat swing back, with soaring layered harmonies and bouncy pop numbers that changes up the pace a bit compared to their last outing, Challengers [2007]. This is what the combo of Neko Case, A.C. Newman, Todd Fancey, Dan Bejar and more, do best and that is exactly what they give you on Together.

What Together drives home is the true group effort The New Pornographers put forth here, as no one artist completely takes over, as the band sometimes has leaned heavily towards the Newman/Case duo in the past, but the tracks here seem much more balanced. There are some differences on this record which give it its own personality, such as adding Will Sheff's (Okkervil River) vocals on "Moves" or the guitar on "My Sheppard" by none other then St. Vincent singer Annie Clark.

One of the biggest sonic improvements made on Together is the recruitment of The Dap-Kings playing horns throughout the record giving each track they touch more depth. Overall, it is really hard to find too many faults with The New Pornographers and on Together that statement holds true. Lyrically the album may have its issues at times but the catchiness of their best pop easily overrides these sections, while the ever graceful Neko Case always can hit a winner like on the memorable "My Shepherd".

Fans will still love this record and Together is not a bad starting point for anyone new to the group, as the talent, consistency and knack for a hook keeps this record's replay value alive.

Christopher Anthony

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