Mass Romantic
(Mint Records Inc.)
First of all, ignore this band’s crummy moniker. Nature has taught us to abhor bands that place the adjective “new” in their names (i.e. New Kids on the Block, New Radicals, et al), but this group—henceforth to be known simply as the Pornographers—manage to transcend that millstone with Mass Romantic, a collection of irrefutably infectious pop nuggets that get under your skin and stay there.
The Pornographers are like that hip, intelligent band that, much to your surprise, your parents were into—like when you discovered that mom had an album from IRS Records, or when you found that dubbed Talking Heads cassette in the family tape deck. Because of their kitchen sink recording methodology—with an oddball instrument to accommodate every audiophile—the Canuck sextet’s sound is tricky to pin down. Think dirty, indie pop guitars cutting through a haze of organs and synths, and accompanied by some imaginative drumming to boot.
Unlike most bands these days, the Pornographers play hot potato with the microphone, splitting vocal duties three ways. Of the singers, Carl Newman seems to have the edge, with a distinct style that can go from gravelly to pure in a half-beat. Conversely, chanteuse Neko Case’s slightly over-the-top approach tends to overpower her tunes, “Letter From an Occupant,” and the title-track.
Highlights include the demented, falsetto-driven ditty “Execution Day,” and “The Body Says No,” which would be a classic hit in a more just world. By the time that the children’s chorus start screaming along in “Breakin’ the Law,” you’ll swear that Randy Newman and Pink Floyd were dropping acid together in your stereo, whatever that means.
Mint Records
By Casey “Getting Predictable” Lombardo
Long Beach Union
Originally printed 3.19.01
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