The New Pornographers — Twin Cinema

After two brilliant power-pop gems, an outstanding solo album from AC Newman and a superb live record from Neko Case, the chances of lightning striking again for The New Pornographers should have been slim. However, as this B.C. sextet prove time and time again, they're more than mere musicians. Although Twin Cinema doesn't deviate from Mass Romantic or Electric Version's formula too much, it does have its own voice — the band take a step back from the hyper power-chord pop, creating more complex and laid back anthems.

There are plenty of memorable tunes here including the bass heavy "Use It" and the Beck Mutations-esque "These Are Fables," while the "Hay la" singalong outro in "The Bleeding Heart Show" turns Twin Cinema into an interactive adventure. Fortunately, the band stay with Electric Version's sleek production — every ivory, bell and passing note can be heard. There are a few spare moments that warrant criticism, but when a band are creating such excellent sunny pop, why complain?

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