Toronto’s Broken Social Scene is bringing their sometimes orchestral, many-fingered, folky indie rock to Seattle, and will be posted at Neptune for the next two nights.
There’s, like, at least a hundred members in BSS—not to their detriment. The band's soaring, grandiose harmonies benefit from all those warm bodies, who also play in other groups and solo projects including but not limited to Metric, Feist (who comes to Woodland Park Zoo on August 11), and Stars. It makes for an interesting, healthy, and surprising smoothie of music.
The band is fresh-ish off the release of a two part EP, Let's Try The After, Volumes 1 and 2, which still served up a healthy dose of rock heavily informed by the tastes and sentiments of the 2000s. Listening to "Boyfriends" reminds me of listening to the Shins radio on Pandora as a teen—not a diss!
Also, for those of you who have never listened to BSS, don’t be thrown by their name—I avoided listening to them for many years because they were a scene band! Really makes you think. Though I can’t vouch for it personally, I’ve heard BSS give an incredible live performance that’s not to be missed, especially if baroque indie pop is your thing.
This two night stint will also be BSS's final few shows for a while, as they recently had to cancel the UK/EU leg of their tour. Brooklyn Vegan reports that due to the health issues, they can't continue on across the pond. They'll continue the US tour dates they have left, however. BSS co-founder and guitarist Kevin Drew wrote on their Facebook page:
“I love every minute I’m able to connect with people and make memories, but I’ve been medically advised to avoid the physical strains touring and focus and getting my health back on point. We have a few remaining shows stateside, but those will be our last for the rest of the summer. I want nothing more to get back overseas again, and create the best experience possible but sadly I can’t do that at this moment in time. Rest has been forced upon me and I have to honour this process. So much love and gratitude to our fans. Our deepest apologies.”
They play Neptune tonight and tomorrow; Dan Mangen supports both nights.
