The acclaimed Canadian indie rock ensemble, Broken Social Scene, is poised for a significant return this spring. The Toronto-based collective has officially declared May 8 as the release date for their sixth studio album, titled "Remember the Humans," which will be launched under their own Arts and Crafts label. This upcoming record marks their first full-length offering in nearly ten years, and based on their lead single, "Not Around Anymore," fans can anticipate the band's signature blend of ethereal melodies and vibrant, collective energy.
The creation of "Remember the Humans" saw a gathering of many familiar talents from the expansive Broken Social Scene family. The album credits reveal the involvement of prominent figures such as singer Kevin Drew, multi-instrumentalists Charles Spearin, Brendan Canning, Sam Goldberg, Andrew Whiteman, and Jimmy Shaw, along with drummer Justin Peroff and trombonist Evan Cranley. Vocal contributions also come from notable artists like Feist, Amy Millan, Lisa Lobsinger, Ariel Engle, and Hannah Georgas, solidifying this release as a true reunion of the band's diverse members.
A highlight for long-standing devotees is the return of producer David Newfeld, who previously played a pivotal role in shaping the band's critically acclaimed albums: "You Forgot It in People" (2002) and "Broken Social Scene" (2005). His involvement is particularly exciting for those who cherish the rich, expansive, and transcendent rock sound that characterized Broken Social Scene's work in the 2000s. Newfeld and Drew recently reconnected after years apart, with both having experienced the loss of their mothers during the album's production, adding a poignant layer to their collaboration. Newfeld shared that their mothers would have wanted them to complete this project, noting, "Our moms would have wanted us to do this, and get it right after 20 years of not working together."
Broken Social Scene's last full-length album, "Hug of Thunder," was released in 2017, followed by a pair of EPs in 2019. At the time of the EP releases, Kevin Drew had already hinted at future plans for new music, expressing a desire to "mellow things out a little bit, and get back to the roots of where it all started from." Seven years later, this vision is finally materializing with the upcoming album.
In conjunction with the album announcement, the band also unveiled dates for a summer tour. The "All the Feelings Tour," described as a "celebration of lifelong friendship and creative communion amongst the Toronto legends," will feature closely associated acts Metric and Stars. Kicking off in early June in Austin, Texas, the tour will span North America, concluding two months later in their home province of Ontario.
The return of Broken Social Scene with a new album and an extensive tour, featuring a reunion of key members and the pivotal producer David Newfeld, signals an exciting chapter for the Canadian indie rock stalwarts. The blend of nostalgic collaborators and fresh material, alongside a tour celebrating their enduring musical bonds with Metric and Stars, promises a memorable season for fans of their signature sound.