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Biography
As a collection of solo artists/musicians, the band comprises of: A.C. Newman, Blaine Thurier, Dan Bejar, John Collins, Kathyrn Calder, Neko Case and Todd Fancey. Inspired by a Japanese film entitled “The Pornographers”, the band went forth with the name The New Pornographers releasing their debut album “Mass Romantic” in 2000 which received raving reviews from critics and featured the single “Letter from an Occupant”. Despite having little chart success, in support of the new release the band embarked on their first national tour to sold out crowds.
Having each had successful careers in the Vancouver music scene and bringing their own individual styles to the table it provided The New Pornographers with their refreshing and creative edge. Inspired by generations of music through artists such as: U2, Electric Light Orchestra, Sigue Sigue Sputnik and Robert Palmer have all influenced and fed into the band’s distinctive sound. With three vocalists at the helm each with unique qualities, together it creates a magnificent chorus of voices who we can recognise as TNP.
In 2005 the band released their third album “Twin Cinema” which featured the singles “Use It” and “Sing Me Spanish Techno”. As well as receiving great praise from critics, the album was also shortlisted for the 2006 Polaris Music Prize. In 2006 The New Pornographers released their “LIVE!” album which at the time was only sold on the road.
Following releases saw the band steadily achieve chart successes with “Challengers” (2007) reaching number 34 and “Together” (2010) at number 18. The album “Together” was recorded in seven different studios between British Columbia, Canada and New York, US, featuring the tracks “Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk” and “Moves” which were both used in television adverts.
With each release, the band dive into more intricate orchestral elements which continues to assist the evolution of their distinctive sound. For as long as their creative energy flows, the members of The New Pornographers will continue to produce outstanding albums, surpassing all expectations.
Live reviews
The New Pornographers originally burst onto the scene 15 years ago as something of a one-off experiment, a supergroup concocted by indie rock veterans Carl Newman and Dan Bejar along with rising alt country superstar Neko Case. The group's early shows could be a bit loose with the members of the band seeming almost afraid of stepping on one another's spotlight.
Years of recording and touring have changed that. Live, the New Pornographers are now a terrific and brilliantly fun show worth seeking out. As the band's sound has evolved from the glam-influenced power pop of its early days to a more sophisticated and adventurous sound, so too has the band itself grown. Expanded to a seven piece setup in concert, the group will switch off various instruments as required. Thus, they do a remarkable job of making songs that sound as if they'd be difficult to perform live sound absolutely stunning.
Even better, the group has clearly honed their set and performance into a well-oiled machine. Four-part vocal harmonies with Newman, Bejar, Case and new-ish New Pornographer Kathryn Calder flow from the stage like honey. The audience is likely to know most of these songs by heart, and you can expect spirited singalongs to older tracks like the jaunty and ironic “Slow Descent Into Alcoholism”. To see a New Pornographers show these days is to see one of the most talented and interesting live bands on the planet.
Good energetic set of new and old faves played to an obviously knowledgeable audience of rusted on fans.
The songs where the vocals and small number of instruments got a chance to do a solo performance and have space were brilliant. We could hear their soaring voices and great musical skills. Unfortunately the way the sound mix for the 7 piece outfit was on Friday night meant that vocals and individual instruments were blurred and noisy and dominated by the lead guitar. Maybe just for this show. Don’t let it stop you going. And maybe More Audience engagement like introducing the band?
Rufned
A legendary band. Brilliant songs performed by extraordinary musicians, singers. The New Pornographers would be a great band even if it was only Carl Newman and Neko Case, but it's so much more. The musicians are tight ... Joe Seiders is one of the best drummers around. Carl shared a few quips, and Neko's vocals were flawless, but she seemed somewhat irratiated and distracted about the audience filming her with their phones. I was fortunate to see them perform 2 nights in a row in Seattle. My only contrary comment is that I was a lot more excited to be there than they seemed to be.
Daire_Adair
Loved the fact they came to WA, wonderful venue at the Rechabite. They played wonderfully well, all their top tracks, new songs, old songs and they even played an encore with requests from the audience. It felt like such an intimate gig it was amazing, definitely a crowd pleaser. I’ll definitely be back to their next show - whenever and wherever and I’ll be singing and dancing then too.
Fabulous band, fabulous vocals, fabulous evening. I haven’t stopped listening to them since.
katey-philp
You can't get more front more center than I was, and it rocked. They were tight, the sound was great in the venue, the setlist and encore rocked. I can't review the show without mentioning the dissapointment of Dan Bejar not participating, even understanding he didn't participate on the latest album - he was was missed, but it was much more than the show must go on. The show WENT ON!
james-pugh-1
The show was great, however....Neko Case was a no show. I was highly disappointed since this is the 2nd time I've seen them and the same thing happened then. She is my absolute fave and I was totally let down. I won't be attending anymore of their shows if they ever decide to tour again.
tippibutterworth
Great show. Perfect mix of new and older songs. Even Dan was there, which was great (though we missed Neko)! Opening band The Operators were really, really fun. Thanks for coming to London Ontario ... so few awesome bands do.
OneGoodMinute
The concert was fine, but it was pretty disappointing that Neko didn't show up. I wish that had been made clear from the start. Her replacement was OK, but it just was not The New Pornographers quality show I've come to expect.
srauh01
Great venue, civilized concert crowd and excellent energy. Inside Hillside have a friendly host of volunteers working for them and making sure everything is running well.
Loved the Pornos - great show!
lana-mau
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