In the Morse Code of Brake Lights
by The New Pornographers
  • Record Label: Concord
  • Release Date: Sep 27, 2019
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
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  1. shoeletariat
    Sep 30, 2019
    9
    Really solid album from one of the most consistent bands. It feels refreshingly straightforward, even though the arrangements are dense and chaotic, which is a nice trick. There's always a sense of exuberance on Porno's records, but here it is undercut with lyrics that tackle our collective anxieties and sense of impending doom head on. The record as a whole doesn't hit with the sameReally solid album from one of the most consistent bands. It feels refreshingly straightforward, even though the arrangements are dense and chaotic, which is a nice trick. There's always a sense of exuberance on Porno's records, but here it is undercut with lyrics that tackle our collective anxieties and sense of impending doom head on. The record as a whole doesn't hit with the same immediacy as Brill Bruisers or Whiteout Conditions, but parts of it feel refreshingly like the band we first heard on Mass Romantic and The Electric Version, a sense of meanings and concepts and instruments all clashing together in new ways. I wish there was a bit more for Case to do, and as always I really with Bejar would come back into the fold. But even without him, this stands with the best of their work. 9/10 Listen to "Surprise Knock", "Need Some Giants", and "One Kind of Solomon".… Expand
  2. Dc99m
    Sep 28, 2019
    9
    Well, after 3 listens I was hooked. Completely hooked. I like this one better than Whiteout Conditions.
    Yes I miss Dan and Kurt, even if Joe brings a new dynamic that I like, but really, there's still plenty of hooks and talent on every song here. I give it a 9 because the mix is a little too dense for my taste on some songs, but all else is firing on all cylinders. Wonderful set of    Well, after 3 listens I was hooked. Completely hooked. I like this one better than Whiteout Conditions.
    Yes I miss Dan and Kurt, even if Joe brings a new dynamic that I like, but really, there's still plenty of hooks and talent on every song here. I give it a 9 because the mix is a little too dense for my taste on some songs, but all else is firing on all cylinders. Wonderful set of songs that keeps the group evolving while being instantly recognisable as TNP, can't ask for more.    … Expand
  3. jstraszewski
    Sep 27, 2019
    9
    More Cohesive and an ever expanding mature sound, The New Pornographers are back with full force.
  4. lancekoz
    Feb 4, 2020
    8
    I'm a fairly recent fan.... and I must say this is a new level of ambition for them. "Dense' arrangements at least display a high level of craft when they are not hook laden, a pleasure for headphone listening. I have fun with strange lyrics that mix a sense enigma with new uses for common phrases... it's just very full and displays a lot of work and imagination. I can't stop replay in myI'm a fairly recent fan.... and I must say this is a new level of ambition for them. "Dense' arrangements at least display a high level of craft when they are not hook laden, a pleasure for headphone listening. I have fun with strange lyrics that mix a sense enigma with new uses for common phrases... it's just very full and displays a lot of work and imagination. I can't stop replay in my mind for choruses of 'New Backseat Driver' and "Falling Down the Stairs of your Smile', the latter has one of the best, deceptively easy-listening styled, intros of all time.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Blurt Magazine
    Oct 21, 2019
    80
    While Neko Case’s moonlighting from her solo day job allows her to enliven the proceedings, it’s obvious that the ensemble, as a whole, contributes to the richness and resonance that the new album exudes in its entirety.
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  2. Paste Magazine
    Oct 2, 2019
    87
    The New Pornographers now have coalesced around Carl Newman and his singular vision. Twenty years into their existence, they seem stronger than ever.
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  3. Pitchfork
    Oct 2, 2019
    74
    Case and Newman trade lines, finish each other’s thoughts, reveal the unspoken meanings of the songs; they’re old friends who find sustenance in each other’s presence. The essential humanity at the heart of this relationship offsets the dread that flows throughout In the Morse Code of Brake Lights, and gently leads the record toward something resembling hope.
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