Album Review: “Together” by the New Pornographers

Together's album cover is the first to feature all six band members dancing at the edge of an icy cliff in the middle of a snowstorm at night.

Those of you familiar with my fickle taste in music know that there are a few “core” bands that, for whatever reason, have endured the test of time and ruthlessly command my avid devotion. Among them resides prominently the Canadian power pop supergroup the New Pornographers. My ceaseless delight at nearly everything this band has produced is no secret; however, the measure of my fervor is matched only by the disinterested reception they receive from my peers. I can recall my own mixed feelings upon first hearing Twin Cinema when a friend of mine recommended it to me–but those feelings quickly receded as I discovered new and delightful twists and turns in their musical and lyrical style that kept me coming back for more.

The New Pornographers at their best create irresistibly catchy and sugary poppy songs whose tunes stay fresh on your mind hours after listening to them. Their melodies are interesting and unique, both hummable and whistle-worthy. Their lyrics will perplex you, astound you, confuse you, and tickle you. Their latest creation, Together, is no exception. A distinct departure from their original 2001 release Mass Romantic, the new album fits right in with their progression from an in-your-face, blast-your-eardrums-till-they-bleed fanfare to a more eclectic, “organic” mix of melancholy and silly-sounding
arrangements that range from giddy to melodramatic to seemingly aimless. Together will likely receive better reception than Challengers, their controversial 2007 release that signaled the most drastic change in the New Pornographer’s sound thus far.

Together emphasizes the orchestral elements that Challengers introduced, mixing them seamlessly with synthesized embellishments and textures. “Moves” sets the tone for the album with a deep, loud opening riff from the string section with a subtle electric guitar overlay for some added crunch. The New Pornographers rev the engines in “Your Hands (Together)” with cymbal crashes and guitar riffs sparsely scattered throughout a gently throbbing, synthesized landscape. “Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk” is a charming arrangement with tedious verses that eventually open up into a grand, sweeping chorus that’s as sugary sweet as it is radiant and powerful. “My Shepherd” is classic Neko Case, whose thundering clarion call commands the chorus into submission. Perhaps their strongest arrangement is “A Bite Out of My Bed,” whose ecstatic cries of “Oh my darling! Oh my heart!” will sweep you up into a blissful whirlwind of harmonic whimsy, while the pounding beat ricochets off blasting horns and whining guitars.

The New Pornographer’s latest presents the most mature portrait of the band so far, but many songs left me feeling puzzled or disappointed. “Valkyrie in the Roller Disco” sounds cheap, a predictable progression with lackluster instrumentation and sappy vocals. “Up in the Dark” and “Daughters of Sorrow” seem to wander aimlessly, building up incredible amounts of tension only to finish abruptly without any kind of satisfying resolve. Fortunately, Together concludes with the spunky and aptly named final track “We End Up Together” (unlike the killjoy finisher “The Spirit of Giving In” from Challengers) that sounds much like the opening track and gives the album a complete, connected, well-rounded feel.

This is a great album; certainly one of their best (I’d place it in a dead heat with The Electric Version after Twin Cinema and runner-up Mass Romantic). Would I recommend it to everyone? Certainly not. Fans will undoubtedly find many things to appreciate, but first-time listeners would be better off familiarizing themselves with the New Pornographer’s magnum opus Twin Cinema, which is undoubtedly one of the greatest albums of the past decade and arguably their best (Mass Romantic, however, is my personal favorite). The New Pornographers are truly a unique and refreshingly different band, utilizing many familiar instruments and sounds and arranging them in ways only the New Pornographers could conceive. Despite their fluctuating style over the years, their songs remain instantly recognizable among fans and non-fans alike. The exclusively New Pornographers sound we know and love has remained intact and flourished throughout their illustrious career, and Together, thankfully, is no different.

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