Broken Social Scene: Forgiveness Rock Record

    Broken Social Scene is a Canadian supergroup, started by Brendan Canning and Kevin Drew, based in Toronto. It's associations consist, at present, of 16+ other groups (plus=previous members or affiliations), with members from each combining to create Broken Social Scene; it's music, influence and subsequent following. The project originated in 2001 and has continued to grow since, with: four full LPs, a dozen or so EPs, a B-sides release, film soundtrack appearances, and more recently albums produced as "Broken Social Scene presents...". There is even a book, This Book is Broken, by Eye Weekly editor, Stuart Berman, about the band's formation and history. Excerpts can be viewed here online.
    Broken Social Scene's latest arrival was Forgiveness Rock Record, on May 4, 2010, and was released through Toronto based Arts & Crafts Records. A corresponding EP was also released, Lo-Fi for the Dividing Nights, as a free download for pre-orders. Forgiveness Rock Record, not surprisingly, topped the Canadian album chart.
    Categorizing Broken Social Scene, particularly Forgiveness Rock Record, in this case, is difficult. I think it demands that one has a thorough knowledge of the numerous affiliations that make up the supergroup, of which I do not. The importance in such a claim lies in the fact that each member brings their own separate musical influence and it would prove much easier pinpointing what sounds came from where if you could effectively link each song to a particular outside group or member. This is not to say that Broken Social Scene is undefinable, but each song has its own unique flavor in a way, definitely creating the impression that there is not one or two specific writers, but each person contributing as they can. The only constant that remains is the indie rock sound, the grittiness and oft employment of distorted elements (electronic, guitar based or even coming from raucous drums). Most of the songs are up tempo and include chorus vocals, different vocals each track too, and a combination of acoustic, electronic and instrumental (brass, saxophones, strings, piano, etc...) sounds. Furthermore, there are elements of punk, folk, alternative and dream pop, especially. This is one instance where plain old Indie Rock is almost a perfect label.
    As for my own opinion of this album, it is not my favorite, but it is interesting to listen to. I do find that there is perhaps too little differentiation within each song themselves. A particular beat, for example, pervades, or that the same chord structure or musical section remains for a large majority of the song. I guess their unchangingness is more akin to a jam band, minus the psychedelic or improvisation here, than the typical pop/rock ABA (or verse-chorus-verse, etc...) song formation. But, there exists really interesting side thoughts, though often short, that help each song shine in their own way. I fear, although, that the main ideas are not as interesting as those moments, and are consequently out shined. You decide.
   For your listening exploration, I have uploaded the track "Sentimental X's" to the MixPod player. Or, the full album can be listened to on their MySpace page here. As always, I hope you enjoy!