The New Pornographers, the Canadian power-pop collective led by songwriter A.C. Newman, are back with their debut album on Merge Records, ‘Continue as a Guest’.
Marking the band’s ninth studio album since they formed in 1997, ‘Continue as a Guest’ is an upbeat refashioning of cutting-room floor experiments and a kaleidoscope of sound. The 10-track album was produced by Newman and featured contributions from Neko Case, Kathryn Calder, John Collins, Todd Fancey, Joe Seiders, Zach Djanikian, Sadie Dupuis and Dan Bejar.
Lyrically the album tackles themes of isolation and collapse, inspired by pandemic-plagued day-to-day life combined with an exploration of the endless pitfalls of living online. But Newman insists that there is a more profound message in ‘Continue as a Guest’ regarding being in a band for so long: “The idea of continuing as a guest felt very apropos to the times,” explains Newman. “Feeling out of place in culture, in society – not feeling like a part of any zeitgeist, but happy to be separate and living your simple life, your long fade-out. Find your own little nowhere, find some space to fall apart, continue as a guest.“
The lead single ‘Really Really Light’, a co-write with Dan Bejar, features a nostalgic melody, an upbeat blend of indie and pop rock, and A.C. Newman’s signature story-driven lyricism. With its electric guitar flourishes and bright vocal harmonies, the song is an irresistible slice of power pop perfect for any summer playlist. In ‘Really Really Light’, The New Pornographers capture a moment of joyous escape from the worries of everyday life with their signature wit and good humour. It’s sure to be another classic anthem in their long list of hits. Check it out below!
The New Pornographers have consistently cranked out infectious pop gems for over two decades, and ‘Continue as a Guest’ will be no exception. Fans will love the anthemic melodies and insightful storytelling that Newman has brought together on this record.
The New Pornographers
Continue as a Guest
Out March 31st on Merge Records
- Really Really Light
- Pontius Pilate’s Home Movies
- Cat and Mouse with the Light
- Last and Beautiful
- Continue as a Guest
- Bottle Episodes
- Marie and the Undersea
- Angelcover
- Firework in the Falling Snow
- Wish Automatic Suite
