Tag: Kevin Drew

Posted in Album Reviews

Broken Social Scene – Remember The Humans (2026)

Posted on by Michael

Broken Social Scene, the popular Toronto based collective returned in 2026 with their sixth album – Remember The Humans. Singer/multi-instrumentalist Kevin Drew still gets top billing, having written more than half the tracks. Starting the album off, “Not Around Anymore” brings airy horns that also appear on the midtempo “Hey Amanda”. Andrew Whiteman takes over for the frisky beats of “The Call”, Jill Harris’ background vocals add to the atmosphere, as she does on several tracks.

Like most BSS records, it’s when the girls takeover that things get exciting. Hannah Georgas brings early album highlight, “Only The Good I Keep”, singing about Julie Doiron and The Smashing Pumpkins. Frenzied drumbeats programmed by Lisa Lobsinger amp up the excitement on “Relief” as she sings, “lying on my lifeline, choking me up”.

Two of the best songs appear at the end – Leslie Feist on the atmospheric Americana of “What Happens Now” and Kevin Drew returns for the lovely “Parking Lot Dreams”.  It’s been nine years since the group’s last album Hug of Thunder, here’s hoping that the next batch of songs arrive much sooner.

7.5/10

Posted in Album Reviews

Kevin Drew – Darlings (2014)

Posted on by Michael

31S8D7wv80L__AA160_On Fox drama, Party of Five, one of the best posters I’ve ever seen appeared on the bedroom wall of Neve Campbell’s character. It was the cover to Lush’s Split album. Four lemons featured on the left and the lyrics running down the right side. I’ve looked for that poster for years. While not as great, another standout rock poster in a TV show is on the Mindy Project. Pop culture loving Mindy for whatever reason, other than it fits the décor, has a Broken Social Scene poster in her living room. While it’s been a long while since Broken Social Scene have released anything, they live on every week on a lowly watched but otherwise clever show.

Because of this, I’m reminded of Kevin Drew nearly every week. Earlier this year he released his second solo album, Darlings. Preceded by brilliant single, “Good Sex” (included here), Darlings hums along right from the get go. Most of the tracks lean toward mid-tempo, synth driven variety. “You Gotta Feel It” shines as does “You In Your Were” (featuring backing vocals from Feist). Throughout, Drew sings mainly about love and sex, first track here is called “Body Butter”, but it never veers to being crass. There is a warmth to the sound that makes this second solo album sound both personal and intimate, with far more winners than losers.

7.5/10