ALBUM REVIEW: “Forgiveness Rock Record” by Broken Social Scene

Artist: Broken Social Scene
Album: Forgiveness Rock Record
Label: Arts and Crafts
Rating: 9.5/10

 The Canadian collective known as Broken Social Scene (you know? the one’s that brought you Feist) are one of those bands that should’ve taken off long ago, and yet it’s been almost ten years since their debut, and they are still flying under the radar.  

Hopefully, that might change with the release of this album, easily one of the best records released in the last few years.  

‘Forgiveness Rock Record’ is a beautiful and evocative album.  From the opening strains of the 6 minute epic “World Sick”, with its explosive arena-ready chorus to the introspective, “Me and My Hand” it takes you on a journey through an eclectic set of songs that are expertly constructed and full of life.  Some tunes soar, some search and some dance but all exude a loving energy that fits with the main theme.

In a lot of ways, this collection plays like a film soundtrack, the gorgeous instrumental, “Meet me in the Basement”, is a great example of this, as it drives the album forward, sans lyrics, painting a lush soundscape that adds to the whole without ever being a detraction (as most instrumentals are in the wrong hands).

In short, it’s a grand album, with grand ambitions.  Not just sonically (at points on the record a whopping 31 musicians get involved) but philosophically as well.  I think if their aim was to capture the physical feeling of forgiveness than they succeeded in spades.  They put down a joyous sound that should be on every music-lover’s playlist this year.

Kudos Canucks!