Even Case And Bejar Can't Elevate The New Pornographers

Reaction to The New Pornographers' latest full-length, Challengers, has been decidedly tepid — and with good reason. The album boasts some fine songwriting and nice melodies, but lacks much of the trademark spunk and energy shown on past releases. As a result, the their latest touchdown in Toronto was approached with caution by myself and about 1,000 other hopefuls.

Having part-time Pornographer Neko Case on hand was a definite plus, and the band put her powerful wail to use early and often. From beneath the tectonic glow of a New Pornographers-emblazoned sign, Case effortlessly shouted her way through newer tunes "All The Old Showstoppers" and "All The Things That Go To Make Heaven And Earth" with considerable ease. Her bandmates chugged along and, while there wasn't a ton of exertion shown, the musicianship was impressive and the renditions were entirely true to their studio counterparts.

Unfortunately, short of the rubbery kit-work from drummer Kurt Dahle, the band barely cracked a smile through the first half of their set, even when rousing the audience along with near hits "Use It" and "The Laws Have Changed."

On the positive side, co-vocalist Dan Bejar certainly appeared to be a fan favourite. Though he only appeared onstage for about six cuts, he made the most of his time beneath the lights. With his trademark battle stance of one hand clasping a beverage for dear life and the other artfully curled, Bejar contributed some of the evening's more "out there" moments. But, make no mistake, "Jackie Dressed In Cobras" and "Myriad Harbour" are still pure pop goodness.

As for the other seven players, this wasn't their most lively performance and it might even be suggested that the whole thing seemed a bit too "mailed in." Sure, they fired out hook after hook after hook but their ability to deliver the material with so little effort actually makes them a tad tedious as a live act, especially when trying to figure out how to upsize their subdued newer material.

Luckily, the band managed to backload their set quite nicely and closed things out with a couple of zingers from 2005's Twin Cinema, including "The Bleeding Heart Show," which is arguably the Pornos' finest moment. A pair of encores followed and the groupe rounded out the evening with their calling card, "Letter From An Occupant," that left things on a decidedly high note and seemed to satiate the throngs, judging by the crowd reaction that followed. Overall, it was a nice performance and not much more. I saw the band at the very same venue some two years ago and not enough has changed.