CD of The Week

This spring has been a notable season for Canadian indie rock supergroups, with Toronto-based Broken Social Scene releasing their first album in nine years just weeks after Vancouver-based The New Pornographers dropped their latest release. That being said, Broken Social Scene has always operated as more of a collective than a stable set of members. For Remember The Humans, “bandleader” Kevin Drew shepherds at least 13 credited musicians through an eclectic and open-hearted set of memorable songs. At his side is producer David Newfeld, who was behind the boards for Broken Social Scene’s beloved 00s-era work (additionally, the album title seems to be a play on 2002’s You Forgot It in People). This wise collaboration results in an adventurous and mature album that features several career highlights.

Making the strongest initial impression are the tracks with female vocalists. Hannah Georgas takes center stage on the pretty, piano-driven “Only The Good I Keep,” which poignantly reflects heightened teenage emotions. Meanwhile, Lisa Lobsinger is playfully sultry on the danceable, but melodically complex, “Relief.” Later, Leslie Feist guides listeners through the soft, aching melancholy of “What Happens Now.”

Throughout the album, Newfeld seems to bring out the best in Broken Social Scene, and the arrangements are among their most intriguing and dramatic in many years. “The Briefest Kiss” possesses jazzy saxophone and clarinet (both played by Dan Bone) that accents clever lyrics from Ariel Engle, such as “I’m so tired of this cross / Won’t you come take it off.” Meanwhile, “Hey Amanda” recalls earlier anthems with great harmonies and a soaring chorus that stays on the correct side of the thin line between winningly earnest and cringe-inducing. Big feelings are definitely central to the Broken Social Scene ethos, but the sentiments stay fresh when combined with the expansive sonic palette present throughout the album.

In recent years, highlights from Broken Social Scene’s catalogue have been covered by indie favorites like Maggie Rogers & Sylvan Esso (“Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl”) and Toro y Moi (“Stars and Sons”), which speaks to the band’s growing influence. With Remember The Humans, they are not resting on their laurels as theyembrace their third decade as a collective with a set of very strong material from a wide array of talented musicians and songwriters. 

Broken Social Scene are one-third of an exciting all-Canuck bill with friends and collaborators, Metric and Stars, at The Met on Tuesday, July 28th.