I’m a big fan of a talented, ensemble band. The New Pornographers are always a solid live show, especially when all the members come out for the tour.

The set-list was comprised of a pretty even mix of old and new songs, making sure to feature Dan Bejar (of Destroyer) and Neko Case with “Testament to Youth in Verse” and “Letter From an Occupant.” With Case’s and Bejar’s distinctive vocals it’s hard to imagine the band touring without them, but they have. Bejar stumbles across the stage, beer bottle in hand, and then wails with that voice. It’s shows like this that make me think, this is why you go to a show. It’s that minute, when Neko croons backed by a full band that gives me chills. They aren’t my typical musical fare, they are peppy, and way upbeat. But they have that something that only comes from a live show. There’s an earnestness and a joy backed by all that musical talent.

Opening for the New Pornographers was Lavender Diamond, a hippy, indie, pop, folk foursome with a definite schtick…or maybe not.

The lead singer gives the impression she could be a fourteen year old, and babbles softly on stage about peace and love. “Don’t let anyone tell you that there can’t be peace on earth.” Her act is punctuated with sugar smiles and curtsies, but they are also on Matador - so how much do you believe in the act? In between the more poppy numbers there are stark near-ballads, that mixed with the naive school-girl vibe gives off a creepy Twin Peaks-esqe aire. But for all this, they totally won this listener over. Call it the magic of the live show, I wasn’t ready to be a fan, but I left one. Check them out for yourself and see what you think.

Tegan and Sara seem to be popping up all over the US media lately. Last month they played Conan O’Brien, this month they were profiled in Rolling Stone, appeared on the World Cafe, and music videos from their recently released album The Con are making their way into rotation on MTV and Fuse.

The Canadian indie-pop sisters are actually in Europe right now working their way through a world tour that crosses through Canada next, then heads into the US, and finally brings them down to Australia through the end of 2007.

While you wait for the twins to reach your town, check out some quality videos from their stop in Malmo, Sweden this week. By the sounds of it Tegan and Sara really like Swedes.

8/22 Malmo, Sweden

Tegan and Sara - Malmo, Sweden - Hop a Plane, The Con
Tegan and Sara - Malmo, Sweden - Burn Your Life Down, The Con
Tegan and Sara - Malmo, Sweden - Back in Your Head, The Con
Tegan and Sara - Malmo, Sweden - Knife Going In, The Con
video taken by ze77en