The New Pornographers

Really Really Light (Single, Video)

Merge Records

The first single from the upcoming New Pornographers album Continue as a Guest, out March 31st on Merge Records, finds them going back to their pre-Whiteout Conditions sound, a cross between Brill Bruisers and Twin Cinema. It’s just as great. As much as I like Whiteout Conditions and their last album, In the Morse Code of Brake Lights, I am glad they went back to their old sound.

The lyrics are Carl Newman’s trademark puzzle boxes, fun to figure out, fun to interpret. Kathryn Calder’s keyboards keep bubbling up joyfully in the mix. She sings, along with Neko Case, and with Carl as the third voice their harmonies are wonderful. The song is something of a co-write between Carl and Dan Bejar, who seems to have left for good. The chorus is his from an outtake from Brill, and Carl wrote new verses.

The video is sweet; a young woman skates around a garage in ice skates, interpreting the song, with the room whirling around at times. Later, light comes from her skates. It rains in the garage at the end, and it is revealed that this is a competition, with Carl, Kathryn, and Joe Seiders, the drummer, giving her the thumbs up. It’s a lot of fun to watch.

This song was worth the wait. Merge Records is perfect for them. If you’re new to TNP, this is where to start. For old timers like me, go get this, you’ll love it.

Andrea Weiss