I couldn’t be more thrilled that Broken Social Scene is having a quiet resurgence as one of indie-rock’s most respected outfits. The years between each of the band’s albums has grown successively. First a year, then two, then three, five, and seven. While I hope that trend goes back the other way, for now, I’m considering us all very lucky, because Hug of Thunder is a triumphant, phenomenal album. It’s full of restrained yet lush arrangements and the band’s usual cathartically soaring build-ups.
Though it received high praise from a plethora of outlets, it seemed to fly under the radar, missing out on spots on most year-end best-of lists. In reality, the record deserved far more attention than it received, and the only reason I can think of to explain that is the band’s long periods of inactivity. But they’re here now, and there’s no reason that the group’s show at Stubb’s tomorrow night isn’t already sold out. Get on the tickets now, before you show up at the door to find out it’s already too late.
I remember seeing the full outfit, Feist included, at Stubb’s in the early days of their ascension to indie royalty, and I have been looking forward to tomorrow’s show for months now. It’s the first Friday after SXSW–so what? Time to buck up, shake off the show-induced stupor, and get back out there for great music. Stream the gorgeous title track from Hug of Thunder below.
