In the vibrant landscape of indie rock, The New Pornographers were riding high in their career during the live recording of "Mass Romantic" on April 16, 2008, at Toad's Place in Richmond, VA. Right before this gig, they had released their album "Challengers," which came out in 2007. This album showcased a slightly mellowed sound compared to their earlier, punchier work, capturing the band's evolution and the signature pop melodies that fans loved. Fun fact: "Challengers" features contributions from all members, including the ethereal voice of Neko Case, who it seems had the spotlight during this particular video – the recording's close-up nature offers an intimate view of her performance. This was a time when the band was well-received, solidifying their place in the indie scene, and it's fascinating to see how the energy of their live performances—like this one—was a crucial part of their storytelling through music.