PHOTOS: The New Pornographers At The Metro

By Marcus Gilmer in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 6, 2010 4:00PM

The New Pornographers rolled into town a day ahead of Lollapalooza for a show at The Metro last night. Running through a set heavy on their more recent albums, Twin Cinema, Challengers, and Together, the band was tight, stomping through songs, belting out some beautiful harmonies, and showing some good humor along the way (Neko Case's imitation of Midwestern moms discussing Lady Gaga was a particularly funny moment). Carl Newman led the band through a stellar set and while Neko Case (and her amazing voice) still plays the perfect female vocal companion, Kathryn Calder continues to impress as well, her voice adding more texture to the layered harmonies that are the root of the New Pornos' joyful pop.

If there was one downside to the show, it was a noticeable lack of enthusiasm from Dan Bejar. We've grown used to seeing Bejar shuffle on stage for songs and then wander off but even given that he looked like he had about a dozen other places he wanted to be last night than on stage. What Bejar lacked in energy, though, the other eight members on stage more than made up for especially on "Sing Me Spanish Techno," the drive of "Mass Romantic," and a rousing "Bleeding Heart Show" to close the main set before an equally stirring Bejar-fronted "Testament To Youth In Verse" to finish the night. Their power pop is the perfect fit for a sunny festival setting so be sure to check them out this afternoon at Lollapalooza. And if you're not hitting Grant Park, don't worry, they'll be back October 14th at the Riv.

New Pornographers, Lollapalooza, Grant Park, Today, Budweiser stage, 4 p.m.

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