Description
Toronto’s Broken Social Scene emerges once again with their much-anticipated album Remember The Humans, a project that marks their first major release in nearly a decade. This new record, arriving in May 2026 on the esteemed German independent label City Slang, offers a reflective and textured sound that reaffirms the collective’s enduring place within the indie and alternative music scene. Known for their sprawling ensemble and collaborative spirit, Broken Social Scene has consistently blended multiple voices and instruments to create a layered, communal sonic experience. This latest LP, produced by longtime collaborator David Newfeld, navigates a mature and measured atmosphere, evoking the rich soundscapes that defined their early 2000s heyday without revisiting the frenzied momentum of albums like You Forgot It in People.
The album’s release on vinyl aligns with Record Store Day 2026, enhancing its appeal among collectors and vinyl enthusiasts who value the tactile and immersive listening experience that the LP format provides. Broken Social Scene’s roster, typically ranging from six to nineteen musicians including founders Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning, is known for integrating intricate guitar layers, communal vocals, and expansive arrangements that create an organic yet orchestrated feel. Here, these signature elements return,guitars take on both subtle and acrobatic roles, while the vocals weave collective narratives that unfold gradually and deliberately. Fans of the band’s earlier work will appreciate how this record reflects both endurance and artistic evolution, combining indie sensibilities with an alternative edge reminiscent of fellow Canadian acts like Broken Social Scene’s contemporaries in the spirit of Metric or Stars.
David Newfeld’s production brings a nuanced texture to the album, encompassing shimmering guitar work, delicate horn sections, and moments where banjo plucks and electronic textures subtly intertwine. This eclectic layering crafts a soundscape that manages to feel both intimate and expansive, offering a contemplative experience that basks in the emotional complexity of personal and shared histories. The album’s emotional core resonates deeply, dealing with themes of endurance, heartbreak, and human connection through lyrics that balance sentimentality against a backdrop of intricate musicianship. The influence of collaborative collectives such as The National or Arcade Fire may come to mind due to the communal approach to composition and performance displayed throughout the release.
Among the standout moments is the poignant inclusion of vocalist Leslie Feist, whose ethereal presence on the track “What Happens Now” anchors the album’s penultimate movement with haunting grace. Feist’s contribution recalls the impact of her previous work with the group, serving as a ghostly yet comforting guide through the album’s emotional terrain. The closing track, “Parking Lot Dreams,” delivered by Kevin Drew with minimalist and haunting lyricism, creates a reflective space that suggests an almost mythical dimension to the narratives of love and memory threaded throughout the album.
Remember The Humans serves as an important chapter in Broken Social Scene’s ongoing sonic journey, bridging their foundational indie rock roots with contemporary narratives and matured musical textures. Released under City Slang, the album solidifies the label’s reputation for curating vital independent artists who challenge and redefine alternative music boundaries. This new record stands as a testament to the power of artistic collaboration and collective identity in an era marked by fragmentation, offering listeners a deeply layered and rewarding listen both on digital platforms and in the rich warmth of vinyl.
For listeners attuned to nuanced indie and alternative sounds that interlace experimental and communal energy, Broken Social Scene’s latest offering may also resonate with admirers of bands like Spoon or Beach House, who similarly blend introspection with textured arrangements. The album’s balanced pacing and emotive depth highlight the collective’s ability to craft music that remains relevant and compelling, a valuable addition to the discographies of those who follow Canada’s vibrant indie music landscape and the evolving dialogues within alternative music globally.
