Broken Social Scene Presents: Brendan Canning
Something For All Of Us...
Arts And Crafts/ Shock


Broken Social Scene are a group with an immeasurable amount of talent spewing from their veins. So much, in fact, that they just can't seem to themselves stop writing music. A mere 14 months have passed since guitarist Kevin Drew's 'Spirit If...' debut, yet already the brood have recorded and released a second 'Broken Social Scene Presents:' solo project, this time from bass guitarist Brendan Canning.

Acting as follow-up to Drew's 'Spirit If...', 'Something For All Of Us' etches just that bit deeper into the mystery that is Broken Social Scene's musical wanderlust. The 11 song tracklist ranges from indie rock to down-town bluesy beats and borderline electronica, all the while topped off with gentle wash of Canning's whispery vocals. Yes the title is a tad kitschy, but the album really does have something for all to enjoy.

Opener Something For All Of Us has the typical Broken Social Scene clockwork - steadily growing mass instrumental mash-ups - not surprising really, considering half the band helped record the album. That said, the song is a trifle heavier than your standard BSS and has a strong garage feel. Following is a trip on a soft, floaty cloud to Chameleon, a beautiful piece with gentle horn instruments, before the album segues into the heavier Hit The Wall. Next is All The Best Toys Come From Germany to confuse you even more: almost an electronica song, with its lullaby keyboard faders it's like a mix between DJ Shadow and Boards Of Canada.

While Kevin Drew's 'Spirit If...' ever so slightly deviated from BSS's signature baroque pop into softer, minimalist grooves, Canning actually takes his band's style and amplifies it. From heavy to soft to how-did-they-think-of-that, there really is 'Something For All Of Us' on this album.

Miranda Freeman