Broken Social Scene's latest album, Remember the Humans, is a testament to the band's enduring legacy and their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. This album marks a significant departure from their previous works, as the band embraces a more introspective and refined sound, while still retaining their signature style. The album's title is a clever play on their 2002 breakthrough, You Forgot It in People, but it's far from a mere reprise. Instead, it's a reflection of the band's journey and their desire to reconnect with their fans and themselves.
One of the most striking aspects of Remember the Humans is the band's decision to tone down their usual exuberance. Gone are the days of wild hollering and guitar-driven anthems. In its place is a more measured and introspective approach, with a focus on extended jams and rich instrumentation. This shift in style is particularly evident in the album's opening track, 'Not Around Anymore'. The song begins with a flutter of instruments, including flute, trombone, and flugelhorn, before swelling into a triumphant guitar and saxophone-driven chorus. It's a powerful statement of the band's ability to transform grief and societal crumbling into something beautiful and uplifting.
The album's recurring themes of extended jams, rich instrumentation, and refined epiphanies are woven throughout, creating a smooth and borderline sultry listen. The band's ability to temper their usual pop hooks with a more introspective approach is a testament to their musical maturity. For example, 'And I Think of You' spins an '80s elevator pastiche with a bright saxophone melody, congas, and clarinet, while 'This Briefest Kiss' approaches R&B territory thanks to Brendan Canning's languid bassline and Ariel Engle's soulful vocal performance. The album is filled with stretches of meditative stillness, despite the quantity of musicians playing at once, like the delicate piano notes and Jill Harris' faint falsettos in 'Life Within the Ground'.
What makes Remember the Humans particularly fascinating is the band's ability to maintain their signature style while still pushing boundaries. They've managed to create an album that is both familiar and fresh, with a focus on introspection and emotional depth. This is a band that has evolved, but hasn't forgotten where they came from. The album's title is a reminder to the band and their fans to remember the humans behind the music, and to embrace the beauty of imperfection and the power of connection.
In my opinion, Remember the Humans is a masterpiece of modern indie rock. It's an album that demands to be listened to with patience and an open mind, as the band invites the listener to explore the depths of their emotions and experiences. The album's ability to balance introspection with a refined and polished sound is a testament to the band's musical prowess and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of their art. So, if you're looking for an album that is both familiar and fresh, Remember the Humans is a must-listen. It's a reminder that, even in the face of societal crumbling and personal grief, there is always light and beauty to be found.
