[MEbenhoe]

(X-Posted from EDF cuz I wasn't sure which forum would appreciate the review more)

but when my favorite band, The New Pornographers, comes out with a new album I think its a good time to return and write a review. The album, Challengers, is set to release August 21st, but if you want to hear it now you can pre-order the CD through buyearlygetnow.com and you will be sent a password to listen to a streaming version of the album online over 2 months before release.

The New Pornographers - Challengers

The 4th album by the NPs is such a departure musically from the power-pop sound that had driven their first 3 albums. So much so that AC Newman has said the band on this album is not so much power-pop as it is power-folk.

This album's ensemble now features 4 different lead singers that each bring a very unique sound to the group. Joining the holdovers of AC Newman, Neko Case, and Dan Bejar from previous albums is Kathryn Calder (Newman's niece who has sang Neko's parts on tour in the past when Neko didn't join the group for concerts).

This album is a bit slower and more "epic" sounding. It features the NPs longest song yet at 6:33, "Unguided".

The vocal contributions are great throughout. Neko is at her absolute best in two of the highlights of the album "Challengers" and "Go Places". Bejar contributes possibly his best work so far as a member of the NPs on his songs "Myriad Harbour", "Entering White Cecilia", and "The Spirit of Giving". His contributions on this album sound very close to something like a mellower version of songs you would find on a Destroyer album. Calder contributes a great performance of her own on "Adventures in Solitude" probably the furthest departure for the group. Finally in the Newman lead songs "All That Goes To Make Heaven And Earth" and "Mutiny, I Promise You", you'll find the closest thing to a more classic NPs song.

The album is top to bottom outstanding. The weakest two songs of the album are probably actually the opening two, so don't let those throw you off. From there it builds into a diverse and artistically impressive album.

After the critical success of Twin Cinema I thought that possibly they might try to use their next album to jump into a more mainstream audience, but apparently they are very happy with being labeled an "indie" band because while the album is absolutely amazing it is not anywhere near being radio-accessible.

For those of you who know the NPs collection of work well, this album probably rates slightly below Twin Cinema but better than Electric Version or Mass Romantic. Also, it passes The Shins - Wincing The Night Away for my current favorite for best album of the year.

Rating: 9.5/10

Disclaimer: I've been told that I am not good at being objective about an NPs album and that any rating I give them should be discounted by about .5