It Ain't Broken

If ever the term "collective" could be applied to a band, Broken Social Scene fit the bill better than most. Since they first formed over a decade ago, the Toronto indie supergroup have operated something of an open door policy in relation to recruitment. To date, over two dozen souls have ridden the BSS bandwagon, including notables such as Feist and Emily Haines. At the time of their breakthrough self-titled third album, released in 2005, they were 17 strong and counting.

Following a recording hiatus, albeit one that involved several solo albums under the Broken Social Scene Presents… banner, they're back with a terrific new album, Forgiveness Rock Record, and a slew of summer festival appearances, including a date on the Red Bull Stage at Oxegen. They have also settled into a somewhat permanent, slimmed-down line-up, as drummer Justin Peroff explains.
"I think we've finally figured out how best to please the songs," he says, on the line from New York. "For about five years now we've been a roughly stable seven-piece band which includes the core members Kevin [Drew], Brendan [Canning], Charlie [Spearin], Andrew [Whiteman] and our friend Sammy [Goldberg]. Lisa Lobsinger has been with us for a few years now and we also have David French who picks up the beauty of sax and percussion. When it comes to needing, say, a trombone part we just give someone a call."
Broken Social Scene have certainly been good employers over the years and Peroff jokes that at this point the band even receives the occasional CV from prospective hopefuls.
"I'm pretty sure it's happened," he laughs "That's kind of how we found Lisa – she was a fan who attended a show and we got to know her. When it came time to finding a singer she was just there. She was the first member who was not a part of our immediate circle, but it's led to a wonderful friendship and that's what this band is all about."
The band's richly textured, often chaotic sound, which typically includes lush orchestration, brass and woodwind along with the usual guitar/bass/drums line-up, has been described variously as "baroque indie pop" and "post-rock experimentalism". Not surprisingly, they've been likened to everyone from the Polyphonic Spree to Belle & Sebastian and even their compatriots, Arcade Fire.
"I don't think our music is particularly influenced directly by any other music," Peroff insists. "And we're not influenced by this Canadian scene that we keep hearing about – maybe it's because we live here and we're too close to it. But you look past what's around you anyway."
The new album, if anything, reigns in their more experimental tendencies and presents a tighter, more cohesive sonic palette. Various BSS alumni also contribute guest slots, with 'Sentimental X' featuring Leslie Feist, Emily Haines and Amy Millan together for the first time.
"That was a nice link to our history," says Peroff. "But yeah, I think the songs are strong – we were writing for a couple of years, but not necessarily as a proper Social Scene album. We were just busy touring Brendan's solo record, so maybe these songs were living in their own right before we started recording, which probably helps in making them more complete."
The band has just embarked on what will become a year or two of touring – "the next chapter of the band", as Peroff describes it.
"It's all-important and every night is a different experience. When you think about it, it's a unique way to live. Bands are like tribes – we kind of go up there and make some noise for an hour or two and then we stop and eat food and stuff. And then we do it again, somewhere else. I love it and if I can find a good healthy meal and a good coffee I'm happy. There are occasional nights where things get a little wild, but when you wake up in the morning and the day speaks to you – you know you're going to be okay."

Broken Social Scene play the Red Bull Stage at Oxegen on the Sunday. Forgiveness Rock Record is out now.