More than twenty years since Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning came together in a Toronto basement to form Broken Social Scene, the band, though altered, remains intact. “I feel like some parts of us are fractured now,” Drew, the de facto frontman, revealed. “And while some aspects of our relationship may be strained, they are not enough to halt our journey.”
Today marks the release of the band’s sixth studio album, “Remember the Humans,” over twenty-five years after their debut with “Feel Good Lost.” This period has been characterized by changing lineups, extended gaps between albums, and a lasting influence on the indie rock scene.
Reflecting on their beginnings, Drew remarked, “Brendan and I were different people in that basement, united by the same spirit and musical drive, but that was 26 years ago. You gain and lose a lot as life progresses.”
With a history laden with fond memories, weariness, and muscle memory, the band’s legacy lingers in Canning’s Toronto residence. “We are no longer a gang, yet when we reunite, we still embody that spirit, whether we embrace it or not,” Canning shared with a chuckle from Drew.
Known for their expansive lineup, Broken Social Scene has been likened to indie rock’s Wu-Tang Clan, functioning as a collaborative creative hub that birthed acts like Stars, Metric, and Feist. As their individual careers flourished, reuniting the collective became increasingly challenging.
Despite assumptions of an inevitable breakup due to egos and logistical challenges, it has been nine years since their last album, “Hug of Thunder.” Drew mentioned that “Remember the Humans” was born out of a simple desire to persevere and continue creating authentic music.
Following the pandemic, the band established a studio in Warkworth, Ontario, to recapture their old rhythms, albeit with a greater need for personal space. Drew and Canning reminisced about the past, acknowledging that the journey now feels different.
The upcoming summer tour with Metric and Stars marks the first time in 25 years that the three acts will share a stage. Drew expressed optimism for a harmonious tour if emotional maturity is maintained, revealing that a track recorded by Emily Haines of Metric and Amy Millan of Stars did not make the final album cut.
Feist’s poignant presence in “What Happens Now” contributes to the album’s wistful atmosphere. Drew expressed gratitude for Feist’s continued friendship and collaboration.
The new record reunites Broken Social Scene with producer David Newfeld, who brought a shared sense of grief into the sessions following their recent losses. Amidst the familiar communal chaos, a sense of absence permeates the LP, reflecting personal and communal losses.
Drew bemoaned the transformation of Toronto and society at large, mourning the loss of community and authenticity. Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful, emphasizing the importance of friendship and collective action as a form of protest in the current climate.