Our fab guest blogger, Jordon Chiarelli, shares his thoughts on the forthcoming album. Vancouver’s The New Pornographers are set to once again unleash their unique brand of power pop to the masses with their highly anticipated new LP, Together (due out on 5/4 via Matador Records). Together begins with the catchy & harmonic ‘Moves’. ‘Crash Years’, sung by Neko Case, is driven by an undertone of keyboards and an anthem-like chorus, but also indulges in whistling and a watery guitar solo over the bridge. The LP stays on this plane of momentum for quite some time. TNP’s lasting formulaic pedigree of hand clapping slow builds is exemplified by ‘Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk’. However, a few songs do in fact break this mold, or at least tweak it enough to go unnoticed. For instance, ‘Sheppard’ showcases TNP’s hidden taste for country music, while ‘If You Can’t See My Mirrors’ may be a closet love song, with a little heartbreak in the spirit of Belle & Sebastian – a definite stand out track by Carl Newman (TNP’s head songwriter). The best roll-around-in-the-sheets song goes to ‘Valkyrie In The Roller Disco’. It’s the slowest number & it sits pleasantly within the second side. ‘Daughters Of Sorrow’ has an experimental, almost big-band feel to it & could be foreshadowing where the band is headed. The final track (and the best track) ‘We End Up Together’ delightfully blends acoustic & electric guitars with a string section & lasting vocal harmonies. Yes, Together should be a hit with the kids. The New Pornographers may have made their opus.

We’re giving away tix to catch TNP in NYC!

MP3: The New Pornographers – Your Hands (Together)