Kevin Drew - Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew, Spirit If ... Album Review

Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew
Spirit If ...
Album Review

2007 has been a busy year as far as the Broken Social Scene collective are concerned. With already acclaimed records from the likes of Feist, Stars, Apostle Of Hustle and Do Make Say Think and more, it's still a welcome surprise to learn of a planned series of 'Broken Social Scene Presents' solo albums.

Beginning with one of the bands major driving forces in Kevin Drew, Broken Social Scene fans shouldn't be left disappointed. Spirit If. is packed with the classic BSS textures you've come to cherish & love. With atmospheric multi-layered arrangements, warm orchestration, easy to digest experimentation & Kevin Drew's alluring vocals, Spirit If.occasionally touches on the best qualities of the BSS classic 'You Forgot It In People'.

Though surprisingly consistent for a fourteen track album, this record does have its highlights. the beautifully atmospheric 'F-ked Up Kid' & 'Safety Bricks', are both equally heart-melting and instantly likeable. The joyful 'Lucky Ones' grows in intensity resulting in a blissful final quarter and another massively engaging proposition arrives in 'Gang Bang Suicide', with Drew's hugely seductive & layered vocals taking centre stage.

Not only should this album grab you immediately, but repeated listens only serve to reinforce the fact that you might be listening to a potential classic. With that in mind, it shouldn't come as any shock when I declare that Kevin Drew's Spirit If.is a strong contender for record of the year.

Colin Burrill