Benjy Ferree initiated the evening with a folk-indie rock mix complemented by a charismatic performance and swift beer swigs.,”Although the New Pornographers hate being called a "superband," its concert last Wednesday at the Pabst Theater stressed the band as a musical Justice League.

Benjy Ferree initiated the evening with a folk-indie rock mix complemented by a charismatic performance and swift beer swigs. However, the audience remained apathetic until Emma Pollack emerged.

Pollack, a petite and cute vocalist and guitarist from Scotland, never performed in Milwaukee before the concert. With a strong and elegant voice, Pollack and her band struck the Pabst with a personal performance. Not afraid to talk, Pollack continually asked the audience questions and commented on Milwaukee's passion for beer. Pollack and her rainbow-colored guitar strap left the audience captivated.

Remember breathing? The audience wished they did because within no time the Canadian-based New Pornographers blanketed the theater under a musical monsoon. "All the Things That Go To Make Heaven and Earth" led the rock attack. Administrating tambourine beats, vocalist Neko Case must have realized how excited concert goers would get with the follow up "Use It." Yelling and general chaos ensued when a man subsequently exclaimed his love for Case.

Daniel Bejar, vocalist and singer-songwriter of Destroyer, finally surfaced with the fantastic "Myriad Harbour." Unfortunately Bejar lacked emotions and never acknowledged the audience. Bejar apathetically left and came for "Jackie, Dressed In Cobras," "Challengers" and "The Spirit of Giving." Bejar never disappointed with his brilliant vocals, but he should have at least said hello.

Carl Newman, also known as solo artist A.C. Newman, and Case kept the show going. While looking like a Smurf thanks to a blue light, "My Rights Versus Yours" demonstrated Newman's charisma before exploding with "Mass Romantic." The angelic "Adventures in Solitude" accompanied "The Body Says No" as the New Pornographers built up steam for "Twin Cinema." Even drummer Kurt Dahle, situated behind everyone else, went for broke during "Go Places."

After "Sing Me Spanish Techno," the New Pornographers finished with "The Bleeding Heart Show," a perfect conclusion. The audience was practically singing the song's finale louder than the band.

Bejar and his intrepid wine glass returned with the band's encore by vocally leading in "Testament To Youth In Verse." And how appropriate for the band to close the evening off with the incredibly upbeat "The Slow Descent Into Alcoholism?"

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