The New Pornographers with support from Will Sheff (of Okkervil River) presale codes

This indie pop supergroup from Vancouver formed around A.C. Newman, with Neko Case as a soaring counterpoint.

Long-run supergroup, new chapter

A key chapter is the post-Dan Bejar era, which shifted the set toward tight, bright power-pop and motorik grooves. Expect staples like Mass Romantic, Use It, and The Laws Have Changed, plus newer cuts such as Falling Down the Stairs of Your Smile. Crowds skew mixed-age: longtime fans comparing notes quietly, younger listeners mouthing harmonies, and a pocket of Okkervil River diehards there early for Will Sheff.

Sing-along hooks, grounded crowd

You can hear how they stack voices so the hooks feel big but clean, and the rhythm section keeps everything driving without rushing. Trivia: Whiteout Conditions was their first album without Bejar, and keyboardist Kathryn Calder is Newman's niece. Opener Will Sheff usually leans on storyteller pacing, which pairs well with the band's crisp pop lines. Consider this a forecast drawn from recent shows. The exact songs and staging can shift by city.

The New Pornographers Fans, Up Close

You will see vintage tees from early 2000s indie, bright geometric designs from the Brill Bruisers era, and a few fresh Continue as a Guest prints.

Bright prints, soft edges

Denim and comfortable shoes rule, with tote bags stuffed with vinyl and zines. People tend to listen hard, then let loose on the big refrains, especially the hey la coda that often closes a set.

Singalongs without the shove

Between songs, talk is about arrangements and deep cuts rather than gossip, and you will hear polite debates about which record first hooked them. Merch queues move for posters with clean type and sharp color blocks more than novelty items. Many arrive early to catch Will Sheff, whose stories prime the room for sharp lyrics later. It feels like a night for people who care about melody and craft, not just volume. By the time the big singalongs land, the room has found one voice without anyone pushing for it.

How The New Pornographers Build Their Sound Live

Live, the vocals sit front and center, with bright top harmonies riding over tight, clipped guitars.

Hooks up front, drive underneath

Arrangements keep intros short and get to the chorus early, then add keyboard lines that sparkle without crowding the mix. Drums favor straight, forward motion, a feel they leaned into on Whiteout Conditions, so even mid-tempo songs feel urgent.

Little tweaks, big payoff

Older tracks like The Laws Have Changed often hit a notch harder than on record, with more bite on the downbeats. They like small rearrangements, such as stretching the final chant in The Bleeding Heart Show so the room can answer back. A lesser-noted habit is swapping who takes the highest harmony across a set, which changes the color of familiar choruses without changing parts. Lighting tends to underline the hooks with clean color washes, saving strobes for the big codas. The aim is simple: stack energy in layers so the last third of the show feels like one long lift.

If You Like The New Pornographers, Try These

Okkervil River makes sense because both acts favor wordy, character-driven songs that still swing.

Kindred hooks, smart pens

Destroyer fans will hear the shared DNA in sly melodies and literate turns, even though the band's live show aims more for punch. Neko Case solo sets attract many of the same people, drawn to bright harmonies and sharp storytelling.

Songs first, style second

Spoon is a fit if you like taut arrangements, hard-hitting drums, and hooks that land without fuss. Fans of Belle and Sebastian might click with the choral moments and wry tone, especially when the band leans into layered vocals. All of these artists value songs first, then dress them up with just enough texture to shine. If those traits work for you, this show likely will too.