Broken Social Scene Or Not Broken Social Scene? That Is The Question
Much has been made about the latest release from Broken Social Scene, most of it about whether in fact it can really be touted honestly as a true Broken Social Scene album. Here's the crux of the problem. Perhaps working on the notion that two heads are better than one, BSS co-founders Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning supposedly, as modern legend now claims, decided to work on solo projects under the guise of BSS. The idea was apparently to then release a joint double album under their band guise and thus, as many of the cynics are no screaming, make good on their tried and tested name. Well, things didn't go to plan and with Drew finishing his half quicker than Canning it is his work that we are now presented with, of course under the guise of BSS. All seems complicated and fair on the surface but rumbles from the fans suggest that they are divided over whether this really is BSS. In one corner are those who adamantly rage that this simply isn't the BSS that they love and adore but is in fact Drew's solo work, stating an obvious and yet fair point. Fighting their corner though are the fans who point out that he was a founding member and so all BSS's work has been based on his ideas anyway. In the end when you can't decide who's side to back its best to let the music do the talking.
Unsurprisingly Broken Social Scene Presents Kevin Drew Spirit If... is a little understated and sedate when compared to the full force of previous BSS albums but then this is basically one guy and so to be expected. 'Farewell To The Pressure Kids' nicely sets things on their way as a laid back beat melds with hushed vocals that whisper and smoother before the boisterous 'TBTF' makes its entrance. Short for Too Beautiful To Fuck, 'TBTF' is a cheeky jig that sashays and shimmies with lyrics that seem too sweet and PG for the title. But it seems that Drew likes to throw in naughty words and innuendos in his titles either to shock or simply to have a laugh as 'F-ked Up Kid' and 'Gang Bang Suicide' prove. With a simple but addictive snare drum beat, 'Safety Bricks' is a mid tempo jaunt that will sprinkle some sunshine on your day until 'Lucky Ones' ups the ante, finally showing glimpses of BSS with gusto as electronic waves wash with soaring harmonies and a gang mentality that shoots for the stars. Sadly though this is a rare glimpse of the band as 'Backed Out On The ...' strives for stadium rock status, getting as far away from BSS as possible. Enjoyable as a slice of 70s rock yes but only aiding the notion that this is not BSS.
Deliberate or not, Broken Social Scene Presents Kevin Drew Spirit If ... throws up more questions than answers. For those who take it as a solo project than this is an album of lovely surprises, of fun filled tracks and teasingly cute melodies that weave and shimmy perfectly. If though you are expecting the latest from the band prepare for a disappointed as Drew alone is not the band and as great as his solo work may be, it can not make up for the oomph and understated grandeur he can achieve with his entire band. A great solo effort but whether you class it as BSS is up to you, I've given up.