With up to nineteen members, including some of the biggest names in Canadian indie rock, it's remarkable that they've long outlived the average supergroup, and also, understandable why the gaps between albums keep growing. Luckily, their sixth and first LP in nearly a decade couldn't come at a more pressing time. Remember The Humans only hints at past glories, but it's a welcome reminder of why Broken Social Scene endeared themselves to us in the first place.
Despite the logistics involved behind Broken Social Scene, Remember The Humans wouldn't exist without happenstance. After a move, co-ringleader Kevin Drew discovered that he lived near David Newfeld, who produced You Forgot It in People and the other BSS album that every self-respecting indiehead remembers. The two had lost touch but waste no time before reestablishing their superconnection. Flute, trombone, flugel horn, birdsong and a squiggly guitar rush without overwhelming album opener "Not Around Anymore", which quickly settles into a groove that, while awkward, isn't without familiar comforts, like a run-in between old friends.
Remember The Humans retains the spontaneity that's expected from Broken Social Scene. Newfeld remains the best in the business at working on their sheer scale without collapsing under its collective weight. "Life Within The Ground" needs just a sprig of bass to spring like flowers from the graveyard. Meanwhile, it takes emboldened trumpet, glistening organelle and a frisky tres for Jill Harris and Mr. Apostle of Hustle to tango during "The Call". For a solid two minutes, "This Briefest Kiss" luxuriates in smoky, sax-crazed jazz before Ariel Engle struts into the lounge. "I'm so tired of this cross / Won't you come take it off".
As tempting as the proposition sounds, Remember The Humans is not swept up in nostalgia for Broken Social Scene. If anything, this album recalls Hug of Thunder – which isn't bad. Any appearance from Feist is a gift, even if she's clouded by the uncertain arrangement of "What Happens Now". But for all their concern about life's noisy distractions, they sound awfully chill. "Hey Amanda" could learn from its spunky character study. "Paying For Your Love" fares better, but by not rocking all the way the fuck out, its impassioned pleas fall on deaf ears.
Broken Social Scene have never released a forgettable album. And while Remember The Humans isn't among their best, it's still memorable. Former support Hannah Georgas steals the spotlight on "Only The Good I Keep". Her cunning recollection of youthful trappings fits ornate chamber pop like a white satin glove. After years as a fill-in, Lisa Lobsinger administers much-needed "Relief", which deserves inoculation into their setlist. Her nervous-yet-infectious energy shakes up the combustible chemistry that's sustained BSS for 25 years and counting.
If there's one explanation for Broken Social Scene's longevity, perhaps Drew says it best. "I think of you when I'm living my life". That Remember The Humans could drift away at any moment makes the sentiment worth keeping in mind.
