IN REVIEW: The New Pornographers - "Brill Bruisers"

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Though the gap between The New Pornographers' sixth album and its predecessor (2010's Together) is the longest in the group's career, it's not like members were sitting around doing nothing. After all, the oft-dubbed "supergroup" is comprised of folks who are veterans of several other groups and/or have thriving solo careers of their own. That said, it is clear listening to Brill Bruisers that a little extra time went a long way.

Though the group's members have kept themselves plenty busy in the interim, Brill Bruisers sounds like a band completely rejuvenated; A.C. Newman in particular is in fine form on this record (which, as chief songwriter, is the main reason for the return to form on display). The title track bursts forth with the same sunny energy that first drew my attention to the band over a decade ago. It's a statement of positive change, and it lets the album hit the ground running. Later, the one-two punch of Pixies space popper Wide Eyes and the glam thumper Dancehall Domine combine to provide the album's most joyous six minutes.

Neko Case turns in one of her best non-solo performances as well; it's especially true on Marching Orders, an off-kilter easy rocker that has one of the most radio-ready choruses on the album. Also worthy of note is Champions Of Red Wine, where Case is a little more reserved but stellar just the same. The same energy is there on Dan Bejar's contributions as well, most notably War On The East Coast; its pulsing, spiky new wave sounds like something completely alien and something that fits the album perfectly at the same time.

All told, Brill Bruisers tries on a few more hats than fit properly, and a few tracks are a little lacking in cohesion. By the time the strings show up on penultimate track Hi-Rise, it's starting to feel like they're just trying to see how many styles they can get away with. But, like my mom would say, it's better to have too much than not enough, and I could never hope to fault a group for their creativity.

Even if not every song works, it's clear at least that every song was given the opportunity to; nothing on Brill Bruisers feels tossed off or half baked. It's energetic, ambitious and excitable, all of which wouldn't amount to much if it wasn't also exciting. Don't worry; it is.

August 26, 2014 • Last Gang
Highlights Brill Bruisers • War On the East Coast • Dancehall Domine

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