In the Morse Code of Brake Lights
by The New Pornographers
  • Record Label: Concord
  • Release Date: Sep 27, 2019
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
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  1. Mojo
    Sep 24, 2019
    60
    Morse Code is more concerned with our collective lost soul rather than individual anxiety. [Nov 2019, p.86]
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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
  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 andReally 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".… Full Review »
  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    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.    … Full Review »
  3. jstraszewski
    Sep 27, 2019
    9
    More Cohesive and an ever expanding mature sound, The New Pornographers are back with full force.
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