Continue as a Guest
It’s essentially in The New Pornographers’ all-star DNA to write hooks that get stuck in your head for days, but occasionally, they move into moodier territory. And there’s good reason for main songwriter A.C. Newman to pivot, considering he wrote the bulk of *Continue as a Guest* while coping with the boredom of pandemic life. His melodies are just as instantly likable, but the overall pacing is slower and song structures are more expansive. Take “Cat and Mouse With the Light,” which moves in a hazy reverie of keyboard swells and elegant sax (courtesy of Zach Djanikian) as longtime member Neko Case sings one of the album’s most clever and tender moments: “You’re the last of my first mistakes left/And you can take that as a compliment.” The harmony-rich “Bottle Episodes” and “Really Really Light” (erstwhile Pornographer Destroyer’s Dan Bejar shares a co-writing credit on the latter, a repurposed outtake from 2014’s *Brill Bruisers*, shining even in his absence) bring them back to their upbeat selves, but there’s less bounce. Meanwhile, “Angelcover” is a full-on New Wave romp. Not since the lavish baroque-pop of 2010’s *Together* has the band made such big changes to their sound, which, given Newman’s concerns about overstaying his welcome with the project, hopefully doesn’t imply he’s made his last hurrah.
On a sleek and subdued new album, A.C. Newman takes the lead and reflects on the isolation of modern life.
The New Pornographers' ninth outing Continue As A Guest is pure baroque 'n' roll goodness, and 20 years into their career the group are delivering a sonic blast to the senses in preparation for a new day.
The New Pornographers segue into an interesting new phase on Continue as a Guest, their first record for Merge and ninth overall.
The New Pornographers exist in a permanent liminal state; neither of the culture nor apart from it, primary songwriter A.C. Newman has occas...
When The New Pornographers debuted in 2000 with the melodic, energetic Mass Romantic, they likely weren’t thinking 22 years down the line, where they are indie rock mainstays and a shining example of long term success.
Millie Warwick reviews the new album from indie rockers The New Pornographers! Read the review of 'Continue As A Guest' here!
Continue As A Guest by The New Pornographers: A.C. Newman's latest work from his upstate New York home, this time created in lockdown
When most bands are content to just repeat themselves, the unfamiliar palette of the New Pornographers ‘Continue As a Guest’ is a revelation.
Continue As a Guest is a more delicate and less hooky version of the New Pornographers, the most reflective they've been since 2007's underrated Challengers.
Continue as a Guest Review by The New Pornographers album review by Adam Fink. The indie rock band's forthcoming album drops on March 31
Do you sometimes feel like a guest in your own life? If so, A.C. Newman—the de facto frontperson of The New Pornographers—wants to make clear that you’re not alone. The concept of being a guest drives the group’s latest album, Continue as a Guest, in more ways than one. The album comments on social media