Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record

It's been five very long years since Broken Social Scene last released an album under their own name. Sure, there were solo efforts by nearly every member and the almost as satisfying "Broken Social Scene Presents" series; but let's face it, none of those releases even came close to filling the big shoes of the Broken Social Scene collective. Their fourth album, Forgiveness Rock Record, is due out on May 4th, and one listen is all it takes to prove that it was well worth the wait. From start to finish, Forgiveness is very much a BSS album, with anthemic choruses, strong harmonies, and instantly memorable hooks. One noticeable difference is the amount of horns used on this record as compared to their prior albums. On songs like "Art House Director" or the brilliant instrumental, "Meet Me In The Basement," horns only help to give the album a brighter and more positive sound--as if BSS have been waiting in the wings for the past five years only to triumphantly emerge with a full horn section this spring.

Forgiveness was recorded by Tortoise's John McEntire in Chicago and it's hard to not notice the fluid nature of the album, no doubt the work of an accomplished producer like McEntire. Although there are not too many obvious differences between Forgiveness and BSS' past efforts, it doesn't even really matter. BSS are one of the only established bands out there that don't need to reinvent themselves with each album, because they're able to achieve their greatest potential on each release without taking such an easy out. I could go on, but if you're not sold on this album already, I'm not sure why you're still reading.

DOWNLOAD: Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record [Arts and Crafts]
Recommended Tracks: "World Sick," "Texico Bitches," "Forced To Love," "Art House Director," "Meet Me In The Basement," "Sweetest Kill."