On the new release ''Twin Cinema," New Pornographers leader Carl Newman carries the air of a benevolent dictator controlling every aspect of his band's skewed power pop and using his bandmates as tools rather than full-fledged collaborators. But there was no sign of that at the Roxy on Tuesday, when Newman's role was far more balanced with those of the others onstage with him.
Considering the increasing untamability of the New Pornographers, that may have been inevitable. With keyboardist and singer Kathryn Calder added to the lineup and wildcard member Dan Bejar no longer sitting out tours, there were as many as eight performers onstage. The band took advantage of the flexibility without getting muddled, with guitarist Todd Fancey and bassist John Collins standing unobtrusively in the back and serving as utility players while Newman, Calder, and Neko Case harmonized like an off-kilter Fleetwood Mac.
