Brill Bruisers [CD]

Newman, Bejar, Case, and company are back with another solid pop-rock album as The New Pornographers. While Brill Bruisers still hasn't matched the greatness that was "Twin Cinema", the group appears to be moving closer back to their zenith. The album kicks off with Brill Bruisers, an energetic single that sets the tone for the rest of the album. However, you wouldn't know that once you hit the next few songs, where the album appears to stray back into the slower-paced songs found on Challengers and Together. The album really picks up steam beginning with Backstairs and doesn't let up from there. One great thing about Brill Bruisers is that the "duets" are the high points. Whereas in past albums where Newman, Bejar, and Case could carry songs to greatness by themselves, they opt to work with others with more frequency to great effect reminiscent of old favorites like "The Laws Have Changed" and "Streets of Fire". Overall, the album is a solid, upbeat, and fun time that will have you going back to it whenever you're looking for some happy power rock/pop. High points: Marching Orders, Born with a Sound, You Tell Me Where Low points: Fantasy Fools, Another Drug Deal of the Heart (too short!)

Carrying on the tradition of their older works, the New Pornographers 'Brill Bruisers' is a quick blast of exhilarating power pop that manages the rare feat of enticing you further with each successive listen. The title track, 'Backstairs' and 'Dancehall Domine' are prime examples of their magic, and their expert use of alliteration. Neko gets her two expected, exquisite lead vocals - so if you happen to be a Neko Case fan looking for more - there is no better reason to dive into the NP catalog with this - besides of course the overall excellence of the rest of the album. Nice!

First I will say I am a huge fan of Neko Case. Her voice and contributions to The New Pornographers are overwhelming . Second , I will say I am a huge fan of The New Pornographers. "Brill Bruisers " has been on my "hurry and buy as soon as it comes out" list as soon as I found out it was on the way . This new CD is fabulous in every way . I wish I could even attempt to categorize their music in general . I cannot. The collective sound is stunning. Plays in my car non-stop, follows me into the house ...

While not quite up to the epic level of Twin Cinema, this release from the kings of pop music further cements them as, well, the kings of pop music - and we're talking actual pop music, not the poor excuse we get exposed to from all of the TV talent shows. Sugar-laden hooks abound with enough twists that make required multiple listenings to take it all in (and this is a record that welcomes multiple listens.)

Big fan of this group. Found them through Neko Case. (If you're even slightly interested in this album, and you don't own every Neko Case album, you should fill your digital shopping trolley with all of her work. You won't regret it, and you'll get free shipping.) This is a big sound album by the New Pornographers. Their stadium filler. It is quite good.

While the New Pornographers is the brainchild of AC Newman, this record demonstrates a great balance of the three talents here, rounded out by the glorious, transcendent voice of Neko Case and the unconventional musings of Destroyer's Dan Bejar. Brill Bruisers is a more amped up, bigger sounding record than the past couple outings, and well worth picking up.

This is a great listen, catchy and propulsive. The New Pornographers have been putting out pitch-perfect power-pop for many years now and this album safely sits among the best of their offerings. Like Spoon, it's hard to think of a band that continues to put out such consistently great records. Highly recommended!

Pretty much what you would expect from the New Pornographers. In my opinion, perhaps not as great as some of their earlier efforts, but still in their very recognizable style and sound and it fit well with the rest of their catalog. Solid effort.