A few days after seeing Broken Social Scene, it was time to see another Canadian indie group. This time, it was The New Pornographers at the now very familiar Electric Ballroom in Camden.

This evening, I decided to try something different.

I normally purchase a pint upon getting in which is almost always pretty early and a few minutes after the doors have opened. At this point, I could get a fairly good spot in the front but loose it due to a necessary toilet break after a support band plays. By this time, the venue would be quite packed.

This evening, I decided to not drink and instead went right in front, stood there with no word uttered, waiting for the support band to come up on stage already.

When I mentioned, right in front, I really did mean it as I was just next to the front barrier.

The support band came up on stage past 8 in the evening with what seemed to be one of the hottest bassist I’ve ever seen. Fairly tall, fit and with oh so pretty and long legs.

The band was Here We Go Magic who started a bit slow but quickly picked up and played with quite a bit of energy for a very endearing set. Their songs were quite upbeat and the music was a nice blend of the instruments they had. Do check their MySpace page for a sample of their music.

Once the stage was cleared, normally, roadies come up on stage to set up the main bands gear and equipment. This not the case this evening, as members of the band actually set up their own instruments and tuned them on stage which is pretty great for indie bands. You feel closer to these artists since they feel more like regular people than your next door rockstar and pop diva.

Then the lights dimmed once the stage was all set and clear of people. A few minutes later, the members of The New Pornographers were up on stage minus a few key members. No Dan Bejar nor Neko Case this evening but this didn’t hinder the chance of a truly amazing evening.

Started the evening with a new song, Up In The Dark, which was real upbeat and a great opening song. This was followed by one of my favourite songs, Use It.

Their setlist was an amazing mix of songs from all 5 albums and not once did they play a song from an album followed by another song from the same album. I surely hope that made sense, it is 4 in the morning. Most bands bunch up 2-3 old songs and then 2-3 new ones.

Here’s the full setlist courtesy of Setlist.fm.

• Up In The Dark
• Use It
• The Laws Have Changed
• Crash Years
• All The Old Showstoppers
• Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk
• Challengers
• Testament To Youth In Verse
• Your Hands (Together)
• My Right Versus Yours
• My Shepard
• It’s Only Divine Right
• Mass Romantic
• Moves
• The Bleeding Heart Show
• From Blown Speakers
• Sing Me Spanish Techno

For most of the old songs, the album versions had a distinct Neko Case stamp on them but she was hardly missed as the very charming Kathryn Calder provided beautiful vocals for the female parts.

Of course, Carl Newman took on the lead for most parts of the evening with his superb voice and nifty guitar playing.

Aside from the ridiculously tight set, they sounded perfect on stage similar to Broken Social Scene. Every note, lyric, and beat was perfect. A really brilliant band to see live if you ever get the chance. You’ll be all smiles throughout their set.

Like Kevin of BSS, Carl and Kathryn talked quite a lot onstage. This turned out very amusing towards the end of the night when a girl with a “blood-curdling” scream was shouting Sing Me Spanish Techno which was the most appropriate song to close out the evening.

The New Pornographers will be playing again in London at O2 Empire, Shepherd’s Bush on December 9, 2010. I’d gladly go to see them again but I am planning something. Then again, I could work around this date as it would be a chance to have fun with The New Pornographers yet again. Who knows, Neko Case me be around next time.