The best export product from Canada, at least when it comes to indie music, is no doubt Broken Social Scene (sorry Arcade Fire, you lost your title some time ago). This multiple member group is making their return after a seven year long hiatus and they are bringing another praise-worthy record. It’s been a long time since Forgiveness Rock Record came out, and enriched our lives with the shot of rock realness. The familiar feeling of belonging, mirthfulness and optimism is ubiquitous on the new material, and I am so happy that they decided not to experiment a lot when it comes to their themes. BSS are one of the rare supergroups that never seem to disappoint. I mean, with so many talented artists, the collective was always destined for success.
Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning recruited eighteen musicians for recording of this effort. James Shaw from Metric, Emily Haines, Feist, Evan Cranley from Stars, Amy Millan and Arien Angle, among others, have contributed to the comeback album of Broken Social Scene. They noted that 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris motivated them to create new album, which means we have another socio-political project on the music scene.
Hug Of Thunder is a collection of twelve songs that spread from ecstatic folk to epic rock pearls that additionally embellish numerous percussions and rich sounds of wind section. Broken Social Scene are delivering many stellar moments here, from massive Halfway Home and cute Protest Song to emotional and intimate Skyline. My favorite is Vanity Pail Kids in which rhythm section dominates. Melodic title track is a true melancholic indie pop diamond. The same applies to Victim Lover. Complex and rhythm's Gonna Get Better is super rich in orchestrations. Diverse divine numbers that instantly put you in a good mood - that's what this album is.
Highest praises for Broken Social Scene. The wait was worth it. The wait is over. What I can also recommend you is to stream their whole discography, as they represent the zenith of alternative scene, but I guess I will make sure I cover them in the SundaySpotlight.
