Gary's Broken Social Scene Review

Broken Social Scene has always seemed like Peter Pan and the Lost Boys for me- a collective of friends first and musicians second, with Kevin Drew in the titular role. BSS make urgent, frenetic sounds with child-like zeal. They seem to always be chasing the music, trying desperately to capture the ideas before they evaporate into thin air.

These are the truths of Broken Social Scene. These are the things we know.

Until now.

With Forgiveness Rock Record we’re suddenly introduced to a less chaotic, more contemplative band of older, wiser musicians. But no less urgent!

This is undoubtedly BSS’s most accessible album to date. And while many scenesters (read: fucking hipster douchebags) will throw this around them like a scarlet letter, it’s definitely not a bad thing. There are some amazingly well written – nay, crafted – songs on this album and it’s crawling with hooks and potential singles (Texico Bitches should be the summer jam for 2010). Soaring pop melodies and sun-soaked harmonies wind their way through the songs and eventually into your head – where you’ll be left singing them over and over again.

What makes this album so successful is that it feels fresh – like nothing you’ve heard before. There isn’t a real definitive influence to point to or reference. BSS has managed to create the most unique and listenable album I’ve heard in ages and yet at the exact same time something recognizable and familiar.

I listen to songs like Forced to Love or Art House Director and can easily envision a summer classic circa 1977. Or feel the dramatic impact of Meet Me in the Basement and think that maybe I’ve heard that riff before. It’s these contradictory feelings that make this such an enjoyable album to experience. And for a band built around contradictions (beautiful/ugly, order/chaos) this seems fitting.

The big reason Forgiveness Rock Record feels so unique and inspires repeat listens is probably because it feels like a really great mixtape. The kind of mix your friend would have made – you know, the one who’s well ahead of the curve, knows all the cutting-edge songs and listens to bands you’ve never heard of. Yeah that guy – he makes a great mixtape.

I’ve flip-flopped for a week on whether the album is about 4 songs too long. And while you could argue that a trimmer, leaner album would make for easier consumption, it still manages to keep you engaged for all of its 14 tracks.

In case you hadn’t gleaned from this review yet – I loved this album. It’s as close to a perfect record as I’ve heard in a long time. I was excited listening to it - excited to tell people about it, excited to talk about it, excited to hear it again. BSS has demonstrated that growing up doesn’t mean growing old and that you can create a new and unique experience without completely eschewing rock and roll conventions.

P.S. - I have a feeling you'll be hearing this track a lot.