New Pornographers frontman A.C. Newman stopped by the Casbah to perform some solo material last week.

The San Diego date was the last stop on the tour in support of Shut Down the Streets, his third solo effort. Newman was soft-spoken and humble, quietly exchanging jokes with his band and the crowd. There was little of the giddy bombast that characterizes his New Pornographers work, with tracks like “I’m Not Talking” and “Encyclopedia Of Classic Takedowns” showing off Newman’s softer, introspective side. Still, Newman seems downright incapable of writing a non-catchy song, and the whole set abounded with pristine melodies and infectious hooks.

Photos – A.C. Newman at the Casbah