I could begin this review in a few different ways, and most of them would feel tired or hackneyed. Not only have I written about The New Pornographers and the conflicts that can arise from long-term fandom for this site before, but other regular contributors wax thoughtfully about nostalgia. To be honest, it’s hard to avoid those perspectives, especially with such an established and talented act that has a loyal and dedicated fanbase. Luckily, it helps that the band itself addresses such heady topics on their brand-new album.
Continue As a Guest reflects musical maturity in the best possible way.
Yes, you hear plenty of the vaunted power-pop that the group has been creating for two decades. However, you’re also treated to a thoughtful and almost brooding version of that sound. It starts with the inclusion of synths and horns in larger quantities than ever before. From there, the lyrics feel more pointed and less abstract than ever in that they come across more like meandering journal entries than stream of consciousness noodling. The result is a Merge Records release that deftly highlights the classic ambiance of The New Pornographers and pushes it in fun, new directions.
A.C. Newman’s dab production hand finds him fusing his band’s typical vibes with those of Destroyer, The War on Drugs, and similar outfits. He develops this almost suave and seductive groove that thankfully never dips in to yacht rock territory. Moreover, the vocal work from Neko Case, Kathryn Calder, and Newman sparkle, with deeper and richer harmonies than those heard on past few albums. Overall, I’m enamored by the superb track listing for the entire record, as it effectively balances tempos, grooves, and nuance.
The band seems very interested in talking about memory, craft, and purpose.
“Pontius Pilate’s Home Movies” begins with a saxophone moan, rolling bass line, and gentle acoustic guitar strumming before Carl’s voice enters the mix. Eventually, Neko’s voice intones the chorus, the drums kick in, and the entire tune slowly grows in volume and intensity without ever reaching a cheesy climax. Yet, I’m entranced by this lovely poetic passage about the necessity of pushing through struggles and obstacles to create meaningful art:
“Listening to the first grace notes of the day play,
The sun kept on rising ’til it floated away
Spun out of control, you recover and steer through,
Into controlled slide, it’s just what you do.”
The title track serves as a bittersweet ode to contemporary online life and all of its alienating complexities. A quiet blend of bass work, saxophone, pedal steel, and synth pulse swirl around Carl’s vocals, conjuring an almost disorienting experiences. Eventually, Neko and Kathryn’s vocals join the fray, complete with a chugging electric guitar and steadfast drumming, and the entire effect feels like a band of weary travelers tromping through the woods. The chorus lyrics only amplify that sensation:
“I’ll find a place out on the range
With some space to fall apart,
With a long fade out, with a long fade out…”
“Firework in the Falling Snow” updates The New Pornographers’ version of the mid-tempo ballad. Twinkling keyboard chords dance with ‘80s saxophone melody lines while strong drumming and chiming guitars ramp up the drama. This sweet song then doubles down on its wry sentimentality with a winsome lyric that should feel familiar to many creators:
“If you want to breathe forgotten arts,
You got to believe the hard parts.”
Closing the album, “Wish Automatic Suite” could become a new favorite.
I love the chill opening with gurgling synth pads and spectral guitar riffs, but when the full band enters after the first chorus, my heart absolutely soars. Big voices, full instrumentation, and layered percussion all lead toward a strong apex only to find a slow stroll down the other side of the mountain. But once again, it’s the lyrics that hold my attention, as the band uses a carnival midway as a metaphor for bands and the modern music industry.
“You will beat yourself at these games,
But step right this way, my friend.
This is what it’s all built to do.
It’s no reflection on you.”
Continue As a Guest explores sonic subtleties and inverts old ideas.
Throughout the project, listeners are treated to standout saxophone work from Zach Djanikian, clean guitar riffs, bright drumming, and warm aesthetics. I imagine some older fans might bemoan the lack of a “standout” single, but that’s been an unfair criticism of the band’s catalog for well over a decade. I would tell those naysayers that The New Pornographers have always been an album band that prizes big-picture artistic expression. And with this record, they’ve tightened up what’s familiar, pushed at several boundaries, and spent time considering what it’s like to be a long-running musical group. I couldn’t ask for anything more.