Continue as a Guest

Continue as a Guest is the ninth studio album by indie rock group the New Pornographers, released on March 31, 2023. It has received positive reviews from critics and has been promoted with several single releases and a tour. Recording, release, and promotion Continue as a Guest was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring band leader and album producer A. C. Newman to work virtually with his bandmates and rely on them recording in other studios and only occasionally recording in-person with fellow musicians. His process included listening to earlier albums by the band backwards and also interpolating unreleased tracks to make new songs out of them, resulting in a co-writing credit for former band member Dan Bejar. This is the first release by The New Pornographers to feature outside songwriters, with Newman collaborating with Sadie Dupuis via Twitter and also includes Philadelphia-based saxophonist Zach Djanikian, whom Newman was introduced to by some comedian friends. On this album, principal songwriter Newman sought to expand the band's sound, incorporating both the polished pop music that they are known for as well as more "angular" and "almost abrasive" elements to their style. The music explores the loneliness and isolation of the pandemic, as well as feelings of boredom and media overload. This is the band's first recording for Merge Records and was preceded by the singles "Really Really Light" on January 10, "Angelcover" on February 16, and "Pontius Pilate’s Home Movies" on March 7. The band also embarked on a concert tour, following shows they played in late 2022. Reception