For better or worse, there’s far less sex and violence this week than the names New Pornographers and Anna B Savage imply.
The New Pornographers
Continue as a Guest
2023, 7/10
You could make a strong case that Vancouver’s The New Pornographers are the best pop/rock band of the 21st century so far. They’ve delivered a catalogue full of clever songwriting, gorgeous harmonies, and accomplished arrangements. They’ve continued despite the loss of Dan Bejar, whose more cryptic delivery contrasted with the more conventional songcraft of leader AC Newman. Their ninth album was constructed during the COVID pandemic, with the band working remotely in different studios. Newman raided their back-catalogue for inspiration, recycling previously unused tracks. The addition of saxophonist Zach Djanikian adds a different dimension to the band’s sound.
Continue as a Guest feels a little less ebullient than the band’s best work, perhaps reflecting its less organic origins. But the craftsmanship is still there, as are the harmonies of Newman, Neko Case, and Kathryn Calder. There are strong songs – the creatively titled ‘Pontius Pilate’s Home Movies’ moves along on a strong groove and a memorable hook, while ‘Firework in the Falling Snow’ thrives on its gentle tension. There are also pretty mellow tunes like ‘Bottle Episodes’ and the pretty harmonies of ‘Last and Beautiful’. But the band’s hit rate is lower thank usual – the title track is dull and the uncharacteristically straightforward sentiments of ‘Cat and Mouse with the Light’ spoil a promising tune.
Continue as a Guest is worthwhile, but Newman and company released a string of better records earlier in their career.
Anna B Savage
in|FLUX
2023, 8/10
While A.C. Newman’s been making records since the 1990s, Anna B Savage is a relative newcomer. in|Flux is just her second studio album, following 2021’s A Common Turn. Based in Dublin, she has a distinctive sound – she adds a modern sheen to her bluesy guitar. Her lyrics are incisive, and her voice is haunting – she has a similar timbre to Jeff Buckley, without going to his extremes of range.
There are some memorable songs – opener ‘Ghost’ is ponderous and hushed, but its refrain of “stop haunting me, pleeeeease” is powerful and memorable. Savage is happier on ‘Crown Shyness’, where she sings “you’re in my dreams, an awful lot.” She’s witty on ‘Pavlov’s Dog’ – “Just call me Pavlov’s Dog/I’m here, I’m waiting, I’m salivating.” There’s a slight jazz tinge to tunes to like ‘The Orange’.
Savage has a gift for creating memorable verbal imagery – hopefully she’s still on an upward artistic trajectory.
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I liked this New Pornos records but definitely not as much as their previous six or seven. Maybe it is what say and there is more magic when they’re all together.
Yeah, seems like it would be much easier to do the vocals together in the same studio, at least.
The New Pornographers sounds great as always. I like what I’ve heard from them and this is no different. Good melody as always.
Yeah, Newman should be way bigger IMO – you’d think if you like The Beatles, you’d like The New Pornographers too. Melody, harmony, and intelligence.