5 long years after releasing their self-titled award-winning album, Canada's finest indie collective Broken Social Scene return on May 4 with Forgiveness Rock Record, arguably their most accessible and cohesive LP to date. They have perennially set the bar high for themselves and their indie rock contemporaries, which is perhaps why some naysayers have lamented that Forgiveness does not quite match up to the splendor of their back catalogue. Only, how do you expect them to remain in situ with changing dynamics, a rotating line-up and a constant need to reinvent themselves with each new record that they dole out?
With the exception of album closer "Me And My Hand", Forgiveness is a stellar record from start to finish. Having played it in its entirety for maybe 10 times now, I think it is a hell of a grower. You discover something fresh with each repeated listen. The music ebbs and flows as you move from song to song, while the musical pedigrees -- such as core members Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning, and contributors like Amy Millan, Emily Haines and Leslie Feist -- inject a little dose of their personalities into each tune.
BSS do mellow pretty well, which is why the Lisa Lobsinger-fronted "All to All" was my initial standout pick, its downtempo arrangement and wispy vocals throwing me into a lovely slumber.
The collective have John McEntire to thank for their updated polished sound. McEntire bundles an assortment of 14 tracks into this neat, sweet-sounding package. Lead single "World Sick" and "Forced to Love" have gorgeous refrains, "Texico Bitches" is upbeat and lively, and "Sweetest Kill" continues in the same intimate vein as "All to All". Elsewhere, "Meet Me in the Basement" swirls with instrumentals. The lo-fi song "Sentimental X's", interestingly enough, sees the three ladies (Amy, Emily and Feist) singing for the first time on the same track.
Though Forgiveness was, as Drew puts it, ultimately written to be played at live shows, it still makes for an enthralling listen on record. Spin it a couple of times to unravel all its hidden secrets and you will eventually find yourself with a winner.
Download:
Exchange your email for a free download of "World Sick" [link]
