Broken Social Scene's latest album, Remember the Humans, is a testament to their artistic evolution and a celebration of their past. The band, known for their energetic and experimental sound, has taken a more measured approach with this release, focusing on a refined and introspective style. This shift in direction is a fascinating development, especially given their previous work's exuberance and noise-driven approach.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Remember the Humans is how it balances nostalgia with innovation. The album's title is a clever play on their earlier work, You Forgot It in People, but it's far from a mere replay. Instead, it showcases a more controlled and mature sound, as if the band is consciously choosing to temper their earlier excesses. This is particularly evident in the album's extended jams and rich instrumentation, which create a smooth and almost sultry atmosphere.
The album's opening track, 'Not Around Anymore', is a perfect example of this new direction. It starts with a gentle flutter of instruments, including flute, trombone, and flugelhorn, before building into a triumphant swell of guitars and saxophone. This song, in particular, embodies the album's recurring themes of extended jams and refined epiphanies. Kevin Drew, the band's leader, is weighed down by grief and societal issues, but the music acts as a lifeline, lifting him up and providing a sense of hope and connection.
This shift towards a more restrained and introspective sound is a significant departure from the band's earlier work. Broken Social Scene used to be known for their wild hollering and guitar-driven anthems, but now they are exploring a different side of their musical identity. The album's softer palettes and meditative stillness, despite the number of musicians involved, showcase a new level of maturity and emotional depth. Songs like 'And I Think of You' and 'This Briefest Kiss' demonstrate this, with their 80s elevator pastiche and R&B-inspired basslines and vocal performances, respectively.
What makes Remember the Humans truly fascinating is how it challenges the notion of what a Broken Social Scene album should be. The band has successfully navigated the fine line between nostalgia and innovation, creating a record that feels both familiar and fresh. This is a testament to their artistic growth and their ability to evolve while staying true to their core identity. The album's success lies in its ability to capture the essence of the band's past while pushing their artistic boundaries, making it a must-listen for fans of both their earlier and newer work.
