eMusic Review
A big group doesn't always make a big sound. Sprawling Toronto-based indie rock collective Broken Social Scene, whose ranks usually hover around nine instrument-hopping members, fuss over the details on You Forgot It In People, their breakthrough full-length. Rarely dipping outside traditional rock band instrumentation, BSS somehow make a bunch of guitar/bass/keyboard/drum tunes sound uniquely sparkly and sweet. The group sounds self-assured as members trade vocal duties and scuttle between galloping, raucous indie anthems ("KC Accidental," "Almost Crimes"), strutting, faux-tropical workouts ("Looks Just Like the Sun," "Pacific Theme") and swooning melodrama (album highlight "Lover's Spit").
Rather than making an indiscriminately large racket, BSS use their bulging roster to fill the nooks and crannies of You Forgot with small sonic treasures. Layered guitars twinkle a little more when sidled-up next to a high harmony piano vamp; acoustic guitar and brushed drums are teased and textured by a winsome, dulcimer-like lead line; a plodding midtempo number is made soaring with subtle strings and a flanged, layered vocal harmony. It took every shred of every idea from the freewheeling group, but they managed the neat trick of using more to make less — luckily, it's a distinctly thrilling treat.
