The New Pornographers
Issue #33
Challengers (Matador)
By Laura Leebove
Published: September 1st, 2007 | 12:00am
Don’t judge the New Pornographers’ Challengers after only one listen, because you probably won’t give the album the credit it deserves — especially if you’re already a fan. Most of Challengers’ 12 tracks are missing the consistently upbeat synths and distortion from the Canadian band’s first three releases, but the tight and catchy, guaranteed-to-get-stuck-in-your-head guy-girl harmonies are everywhere.
On Challengers, the Pornos, led by Carl “A.C.” Newman, pull some of the plugs and work their magic with acoustic guitars and solid vocals. But, the electric sparks still fly in the more characteristic “All The Things That Go To Make Heaven And Earth” and “Mutiny, I Promise You,” both founded on synth and piano chords under verses sung by Newman rather than the ladies.
Even though the album feels slow, the down-tempo songs force more attention on vocals and detail. “Adventures in Solitude” features a delicate string section mixed with complex harmonies, and “Go Places” is a waltz that combines piano, electric guitar, and the chorus of Newman, Neko Case, and Kathryn Calder.
Case’s rich alto also drives the acoustic title track, and the whole band shines on the playful, harmonica-infused “Myriad Harbour.” And even though Case usually takes the female lead, Calder’s singing and keyboards play a bigger role in Challengers, the second album she’s recorded with the band.
It won’t be easy for longtime fans to get over the change of pace (it’s definitely not Mass Romantic), but after a few listens, it’s hard not to sing along.
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