I am of two minds about Broken Social Scene’s new album, “Forgiveness Rock Record,” which, given the title, might be allowed. In moments like now, I sit and listen and am drawn in by trailing alleyways of instruments, meandering, still alive, until they and the song fade. But then I am jolted into what seems to be a throwback mash-up with too many people too many styles and no focus. My first listen yielded notes about the excess of participation and the lack of any real direction. It’s a bit like an arena alt-rock jam band, which is not quite my thing. There are times, however, when I am elevated and listening and following the drive of a drumbeat or the textured wail or whisper of a voice, and I like it. But, I wonder, should an album be cohesive? Or rather is it merely reflective of a band’s present state. Which, to be literal, is quite like that here. As if each member stood up in turn to perform his or her own piece, and then all at once came in together. It’s too much a lot of the time, yet not enough as well. I made a note that I’d like to hear the solo albums of all the musicians, because the talent is clear. I’d just rather have it a little more specific and a little less crowded. I love the tracks “Sentimental Xs” and “Sweetest Kill.” I liked “Texico Bitches.” There really is a lot here to listen to, which is why I am of two minds. The album is like a boy who initially annoyed you, but to whom you’re warming up. I can’t commit, but I think I might want to take him to bed.
-Serena Hedison
Stream BSS’s “Forgiveness Rock Record” here at NPR
Did You Hear That?: How To Destory Angels “A Drowning”
Why is it, I wonder, that I actually get annoyed when I listen to a track like this. It’s not just that I don’t like it; it’s that I am actively bored by it (if that’s even possible.) I’m impatient, waiting for it to change in some way. But all I have is the hollow monotony of Mariqueen Maandig’s voice, which, here at least, does not complement (husband) Trent Reznor’s acoustic ways, in this debut track from their joint project How to Destroy Angels. (Or maybe how to destroy fans?) It’s just not telling me anything, not giving me anything and it is seven minutes long. She keeps singing, “I’m drowning here, please,” and I want to say, I know what you mean.
“A Drowning” can be heard here.
-Serena Hedison
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