Broken Social Scene Presents Kevin Drew - 'Spirit If' (Arts & Crafts) Released 17/09/07

'Gang Bang Suicide'; 'Frightening Lives'…no, not title ideas for Jodi Marsh’s latest show, but some of the awesome track names from Spirit If, the immense album from Brocken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew. The boy from the group that grows every day presents an album of style and creativity that’ll have you reaching for the tissues one minute and the happy pills the next. Broken Social Scene is fast becoming a bit of a musical cult. What started out as two instrumentalists, Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning, the group has swelled to accommodate 11 musicians from various genres and numerous willing contributors. After releasing 3 albums, various members of the group have decided to release solo offerings which will include influences and involvement from the other members. The first up is 'Spirit If' from Kevin Drew.

This album has more confidence than a group of 12-year-old school kids at the back of a bus. Drew knows exactly what he’s doing, and relishes the fact that not everyone will understand his temperamental edge. Self-assurance like this only comes out of creative intelligence, making it unlikely for many to question whether he’s doing something right and special. Drew’s vocals waver from casual to intense; he seems to have chosen which songs hit him the hardest and narrates this to the listener with a cutting, yet vulnerable tone. At times disjointed from the music, he stubbornly pulls away from the obvious course of the song. To some this may jar, but to others will do to indie rock what Baz Luhrmann did for Shakespeare. Despite this melodic rebellion, his voice is pleasingly understated, textured yet delicate.

The album is like a spectrum. Some songs reach indie-funk heights, peaking with 'Farewell To The Pressure Kids'. This kaleidoscopic noise infusion is awash with swirling vocals and a gripping rhythm that leaves both singer and listener spent and breathless. Others drag you back down into soulful emo, like 'TBTF', which stands for Too Beautiful To Fuck. The rhythm is the one constant that can be relied on never to confuse or stand for question. Its strength gives the album its unique confidence. It’s the backbone to some songs that run the risk of getting lost in their own innovation.

The input of 11 different musicians couldn’t fail to impact on one album, and the result is an orchestra of intense sound and rhythm. A great album with a deep soul and unique intelligence.