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CD review: Broken Social Scene ‘Forgiveness Rock Record’
Broken Social Scene
‘Forgiveness Rock Record’
(Arts & Crafts)
Grade: A-
‘Forgiveness Rock Record’ is the fourth full-length album from Broken Social Scene, who, along with the New Pornographers, is one of two popular Canadian rock collectives releasing a record this week. Unlike the Pornographers, who have more or less kept its lineup constant throughout the band’s existence, BSS’s lineup seems to be constantly in flux, a feature also reflected in live performances, which have an old-timey, traveling roadshow feel, with different members entering and exiting at all times.
That looseness comes across strongly on Broke Social Scene’s latest, as does the character of the different members as the music shifts from more straightforward rock to dance and folk-influenced pieces. “Forgiveness …” kicks off with “World Sick,” an ambitious song combining light, poppy verses and a big guitar and drums chorus. A highlight, the song sets the tone for the rest of the album, though nothing else quite reaches that level of intensity. On the catchy “All to All,” a fast, pulsing drum machine lays the foundation for a Donna Summer-like disco affair; that gives way to horns and fuzzy vocals on “Arthouse Director” and African-influenced folk on “Highway Slipper Jam.” At 14 tracks and with scores of guest spots from onetime BSS members like Feist, Metric’s Emily Haines aand James Shaw, Jason Collet and others, “Forgiveness” is a journey bound to have something that will satisfy both longtime fans and those new to the group.
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