Over the past 20 years, The New Pornographers have proven themselves one of the most excellent bands in indie rock.

The group’s ninth album (and first for Merge) establishes them alongside modern luminaries like Yo La Tengo and Superchunk when it comes to their ability to evolve while still retaining what made them so special in the first place. A dazzling and intriguing collection of songs, “Continue As A Guest” finds bandleader A.C. Newman and his compatriots Neko Case, Kathryn Calder, John Collins, Todd Fancey, and Joe Seiders exploring fresh territory and shattering the barriers of their collective comfort zone. Themes of isolation and collapse bleed into this album, as Newman tackles the ambivalence of day-to-day life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Newman discovered new vocal approaches within his own talent – there are new and rich tones to his voice throughout the album. Even as Newman embraces a collaborative spirit more than ever, “Continue As A Guest” is a testament to his ability to discover new artistic sides of himself. “Continue As A Guest” sounds like a thrilling path forward for The New Pornographers, with songs that generate a contagious feeling of excitement for the future as well.