ARTIST:

Broken Social Scene

ALBUM:

Forgiveness Rock Record

KEY TRACKS:

Meet Me in the Basement

Forced to Love

World Sick

"Well if you think about it, you're a fool, yeah."  

Broken Social Scene Circa 2006

The above mentioned lyric could not be more true about this dynamic (and enormous) ensemble from Canada.  Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning's Broken Social Scene have been around for quite a while, paving the way for other major acts like Stars and Feist.  What’s interesting to me about them is that despite the years and the constant flux of band members, BSS has managed still to maintain at its core a cohesive musical identity.  

All the sounds that originally drew fans in, are present in this most recent album: the understated lyrics (Ungrateful Little Father), fluttering strings, the distant guitar twangs (Highway Slipper Jam; Art House Director), and the ever present white noise of electronics buzzing in the background (All to All).  Although the lyrics are wonderful, for me the true beauty is in the lovely and understated instrumentals peppering the tracks.  

Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning

What I love most about BSS is that they’re not a cerebral band, It’s not a band that wants you to pick apart it’s lyrics.  It’s melodic, mysterious, and cryptic, without pushing it which adds more to the music.  It’s a mindset, a sense that everything is cool, everything is good.  Tying in with the above featured lyric, you’re a fool to spend your time listening simply for the lyric meaning when really the true beauty is in the lush melodies and vocals.  That being said, the true triumph of the album is the instrumental gem Meet Me in the Basement.  My god the drums in this track!  This album’s been out awhile now.  If you haven’t given yourself the pleasure of listening to it. DO.   

                                   LISTEN NOW:  Meet Me in the Basement  |  Forced to Love  |  Water in Hell

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