Broken Social Scene's 2017 album, Hug of Thunder, is the band's first since 2010. "It felt like it was the right time, and there was a lot going on," says the band's Kevin Drew. "We definitely spoke of triggers of events that were happening in the world. But at the same time, this is what we do, and we have remained such good friends throughout these years, and it felt like a very good time to come back with our unity vibe and with our friendship vibe."

In town for a show at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul, Broken Social Scene — comprising Drew, along with David French, Charles Spearin, Ariel Engle, Sammy Goldberg, Justin Peroff, Andrew Whiteman and Brendan Canning — brought that vibe into The Current's studio for a session hosted by Mary Lucia.

With a big lineup, Broken Social Scene are known for their soaring, anthemic songs. "We've always been sort of the skydive, reach-the-top-of-the-mountain kind of band," Drew explains, "and that's how we wanted to affect the people of the audience in front of us, was to just go as big as [we] could."

Their U.S. tour in support of Hug of Thunder has already brought them to New York, Milwaukee, Washington, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Chicago and to Asheville, N.C., among other cities. And it seems Hug of Thunder isn't just the name of Broken Social Scene's album, it's their mission. "We're touring the States right now on the basis of coming into your country and just saying that we love you, we're your neighbors, we're here for you," Drew says. "You have support and we're grateful for you."

Use the audio player above to hear the complete session.

Songs Performed

"Lover's Spit"
"Skyline"
"Stay Happy"
The first song is from Broken Social Scene's 2002 album, You Forgot it in People; second and third songs are from their 2017 album, Hug of Thunder. Both releases are available on the Arts & Crafts label.

Hosted by Mary Lucia
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Michael DeMark
Web feature by Luke Taylor

Resources

Broken Social Scene - official site