The latest album from power-pop favorites The New Pornographers is an eclectic blend of complex melodies, intricate harmonies and the most inspired instrumentation in the history of these indie rockers.

This eight-man (and woman) band from British Columbia puts out breathtakingly clever compilations on Challengers with a staggering ease. Relying more on acoustic instrumentation than is the norm for NP, this album soars to a creative high by adding a special string section, and hints of harp and flute. Even the French horn makes a special appearance in the opening single, My Rights Versus Yours .

This track serves as the perfect introduction to Challengers... soft and stoic gives rise to energetic and erotic -- and the mastermind behind most of the ballads on this album, A.C. Newman, would probably agree. He has mentioned (on the NP website) that fellow writer Dan Bejar sometimes strums up overtly sexual songs.

It's up for interpretation whether Myriad Harbour , penned by the aforementioned Bejar, is overtly sexual, but one thing is for sure: this song is sexy. Featuring Kathryn Calder's (of Immaculate Machine) coquettish tone tied to an infectious beat -- it's no wonder this song landed on the list of "100 Best Songs of 2007," put out by the empyreal rock-and-roll editors at Rolling Stone.

The birr brought forth in "Myriad Harbour" carries over in All The Old Showstoppers and Mutiny, I Promise You -- which uses vivacious vocals to transform said revolt into one ridiculous party song. The pounding of organ pipes pulsate through your body, begging your bones to rattle and shake in frivolous bliss.

That euphoric feeling slips slowly into solace as the poetic strings of Adventures In Solitude start to sprout. Reminiscent of the famous number from the musical favorite Rent, "Adventures" opens with a vibrantly strong harmony, with lyrics that give off a feeling of loneliness mixed with controversial flecks of hope.

Overall, the album delivers a fusion of creative punk, rock and acoustic sound -- like the spunk of Rilo Kiley clashing with the depth of Death Cab for Cutie, but with a flair that only The New Pornographers can provide.

Additional Tracks:
Challengers
Go Places