New Pornographers

The eye-twitching, cheek-blushing auditory images created by the New Pornographers could never be poly-bagged, hidden behind the counter and credited to anyone with the surname of Flynt. Band grandpappy A.C. Newman knows how to craft a tune birthed in the familiar sounds of yesteryear yet soaked in originality, his sing-songy drafting pen etching lyrical riddles, perceptions and statements. Surrounded by swirling analog keyboards, piano and vintage guitar tones, the Pornographer's word-covered sound waves go down like a candy-coated habañero pepper. The sweetest part, however, is the alternating vocals of Newman and fellow Pornographer Neko Case. Twin Cinema, the third and newest member of the act's recorded catalogue, strips the overall group sound down to near nakedness. Newman and company's stop at the Gothic is a must for anyone who appreciates well-executed (but not always predictable) guitar-driven retro rock with a decidedly modern bent. Be careful, though: Too much exposure and you might go blind.