Any Broken Social Scene fan will testify that Kevin Drew is an artist who loves connecting with his audience. As front man of the Canadian indie powerhouse, the 37-year-old has a reputation for ferocious honesty. His last solo record was actually released under the title ‘Broken Social Scene Presents’ and was very much a band effort. Seven years on, he’s ditched the BSS handle and delivered his most intimate work to date.

From the off, it’s evident that Drew has toned down the guitars and production, and is focused on the lyrics. Over ten (mostly) stunning tracks, the Canadian examines an expansive range of subjects: family, cultural frustrations, hope and despair. But it’s when Drew wrestles with the emotional side of physical intimacy on ‘Good Sex’ that his genius emerges. “Good sex, it never makes you feel hollow,” he maturely reflects before contradicting that with the assertion that “Good sex, it never makes you feel clean.” It’s classic Drew: all mixed messages with as many questions as answers.

Strictly speaking, Darlings is an indie-rock record. Within the traditional parameters, Drew finds plenty of wiggle-room however: we get chillwavey intros to ‘Bullshit Ballad’ and ‘Good Sex’, while on ‘Mexican Aftershow Party’ Drew describes a hedonistic late night over a clatter of bass drum and electro noodlings. Like so much else on this record you won’t want it to end...

Out March 24.