Broken Social Scene’s Quiet Revolution: Why ‘Remember the Humans’ Is More Than Just an Album
There’s something profoundly human about Broken Social Scene’s latest offering, Remember the Humans. It’s not just an album; it’s a statement—a reminder that in an era dominated by nostalgia and the relentless chase for past glory, authenticity still matters. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how the band resists the temptation to recreate their earlier successes. Instead, they’ve crafted something entirely new, yet unmistakably them. It’s a bold move, especially in an industry that often rewards repetition over innovation.
The Nostalgia Trap and the Road Less Traveled
Let’s be honest: nostalgia is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s comforting; on the other, it can suffocate creativity. Broken Social Scene could have easily ridden the wave of their 20th anniversary celebrations for You Forgot It in People, churning out rehashes and cashing in on their legacy. But they didn’t. What many people don’t realize is that this decision speaks volumes about their artistic integrity. By retreating to a studio in Warkworth, Ontario—a place known for its maple syrup and lilacs—they’ve essentially hit the reset button. It’s as if they’re saying, ‘Let’s strip away the noise and remember what truly matters: the humans behind the music.’
The Sound of Sobriety
One thing that immediately stands out is the album’s restrained energy. Gone are the days of wild hollering and guitar-heavy anthems. Remember the Humans is a more subdued affair, but don’t mistake that for a lack of depth. In my opinion, this is where the band’s growth becomes most apparent. They’ve traded immediacy for introspection, crafting songs that require patience and attention. Take ‘Not Around Anymore,’ for example. The track opens with a flutter of instruments—flute, trombone, flugelhorn—before swelling into a triumphant yet melancholic melody. It’s a song about grief and societal collapse, but it’s also about finding solace in connection. If you take a step back and think about it, this is the essence of Broken Social Scene: brokenhearted yet hopeful, flawed yet striving for something greater.
Collaboration as a Creative Compass
A detail that I find especially interesting is Kevin Drew’s decision to cut a song featuring Emily Haines and Amy Millan from the tracklist. It’s a rare move in an industry where star power often trumps artistic vision. But Drew’s rationale—that the song didn’t fit the album’s mood—speaks to a larger truth: consistency matters more than individual moments of brilliance. This raises a deeper question: how often do artists prioritize cohesion over spectacle? Not often enough, in my experience. Broken Social Scene’s willingness to make tough choices is a testament to their commitment to the album as a whole, not just its parts.
The Beauty of Stillness
What this album really suggests is that stillness can be just as powerful as chaos. Tracks like ‘Life Within the Ground’ and ‘This Briefest Kiss’ are prime examples. The former, with Jill Harris’s falsettos and sparse piano notes, feels like droplets on glass—delicate yet resonant. The latter, originally a nine-minute R&B-inspired track, showcases Brendan Canning’s bassline and Ariel Engle’s soulful vocals. These moments of meditative stillness are what make the album so compelling. In a world that often equates volume with impact, Broken Social Scene reminds us that sometimes, less is more.
A Broader Perspective: The Human Condition in Music
If you ask me, Remember the Humans is more than just an album—it’s a reflection of the human condition. It’s about longing for connection in a fragmented world, about acknowledging our faults while still striving for beauty. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the band manages to capture these universal themes without resorting to clichés. It’s not just the lyrics or the melodies; it’s the space between the notes, the silence that speaks volumes.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Broken Social Scene?
From my perspective, this album marks a turning point for the band. They’ve proven that they’re not just capable of evolving but that they’re willing to take risks. The question now is: where do they go from here? Will they continue to explore this quieter, more introspective sound, or will they return to their roots? Personally, I hope they keep pushing boundaries. The music industry needs more artists like Broken Social Scene—ones who aren’t afraid to challenge expectations and remind us of our shared humanity.
Final Thoughts
Remember the Humans is a masterclass in artistic reinvention. It’s an album that demands to be listened to, not just heard. What this really suggests is that in a world obsessed with the past, Broken Social Scene is firmly rooted in the present, looking toward the future. And that, in my opinion, is what makes them one of the most important bands of our time.
So, the next time you put on this album, don’t just listen to the music—listen to the message. Because in the end, it’s not just about remembering the humans; it’s about celebrating them.
