I love the music of The New Pornographers. I love their debut album Mass Romantic. I was excited when I first heard that the band was planning these anniversary shows for both Mass Romantic and Twin Cinema and that Neko Case would join the band on tour. Then, like everyone else, I was disappointed when the pandemic forced their delay.
Well, it finally happened! Me and my masked and vaxxed concert-going friends and I ventured out for a fantastic night of music; celebrating not just the anniversary of an awesome album, but also the fact that we can go to concerts again.
As promised, we heard Mass Romantic from front to back. It was joyous. I loved hearing the title track, "The Slow Descent Into Alcoholism", "Letter From An Occupant" and "The Body Says No" along with the rest of the album performed live. This was the first time I've seen the band perform with Neko Case and it was a dream come true to hear her sing those words and melodies that had only come from the album until now.
After the band finished up Mass Romantic, they took a short break. When the band returned to the stage, they played a fun set of tunes from across their catalog. Highlights for me included "Myriad Harbour", "Testament to Youth in Verse", "Born with the Sound", "Brill Bruisers", and "The Laws Have Changed".
Thank you to the band and crew for pushing through borders and covid tests to entertain us. It means the world to hear these songs live again. Tonight I’m attending their Twin Cinema show purely as a fan. I can't wait!
I've been privileged to cover a few New Pornographers gigs in the past. Check out my photos from shows at Lee's Palace during TURF, at TURF 2016, at Riot Fest 2014 and at The CNE in 2013.
Aoife Nessa Frances opened up the show. Those photos are here.
Here's the title track from Mass Romantic. Such a great tune!