Broken Social Scene @ The House of Rules, Boston

Broken Social Scene is really fun to see live. They could be this really obnoxious hipster collective that takes themselves too seriously but they don't. They know about the towns they play in, they banter with the front row and even crack each other up with inside jokes on stage. Musically, they share the wealth for the greater good even though Kevin Drew is clearly the frontman. They come to party and they do not disappoint. I last saw them in 2006 at the Greek in Berkely o/f Bloc Party (Currently auditioning for VH1's Where are they now?). I also saw the Kevin Drew “solo” tour in 2008 so it was nice to see a full band headlining show.

They started the show with Kc Accidental, the opening track on You Forgot it in People and set the tone for what was to come. Although relying heavily on Forgiveness.. and the Self titled, the band busted out some gems like “Anthems”, “Looks Just Like the Sun” and "Cause = Time". If you haven't seen BSS before it can be a little overwhelming. There are as many as 10 people on stage all rotating between percussion, keyboards, basses and guitars. There are even 2 guys that play flute, sax and coronet. With such a huge prduction, its amazing how tight and legit they are on all the instruments. Nothing sounds cluttered, its all just adding layers to benfit the greater good.

Touring female singer Lisa Lobsinger was up to the task of singing Feist, Emily Haines and Amy Milan's lines and added her own impressive stamp on "Anthem...", "7/4 shoreline" and "All to All". Guitarist Andrew Wynn even sang worthy lead vocals on “Looks Just Like the Sun”. While each member was capable to step up to the plate, fun hijinks (like running around the stage, singing in the crowd and even crowd surfing across the whole room - see pic of Kevin Drew) were not distractions.

Openers the Sea and Cake were steller. Its obvy BSS are big fans as 4 different members sat in with them and kevind drew gave a nice introduciton. Singer Sam Prekops haunting yet upbeat voice is truly a treat live. I didnt know much of their material but the "Parasol" closer made me realize i need to listen to more Sea and Cake.

BSS Setlist: KC Accidental, Texico Bitches, Cause = Time, 7/4 (Shoreline), Fire Eye'd Boy, Forced to Love, All to All, Stars & Sons, Sweetest Kill, Guilty Cubicles, Superconnected, Art House Director, Hotel Play Video, Lover's Spit, Romance to the Grave, Anthems for a Seventeen Year Old Girl, Ungrateful Little Father, Meet Me in the Basement, World Sick, Water in Hell
E:Looks Just Like the Sun, Chase Scene, Pacific Theme, Ibi Dreams of Pavement

Opener/s: The Sea & Cake
Venue Info:
beer sitch: $6 PBRs, savages in this town
parking: free parking is available around the venue easily unless the Sox are playing (which they were, against the Blue Jays, and Kevin drew wouldt shut up about it). Fenway is literally across the street.
layout: square, club type room with GA floor and 1st balcony, seats in 2nd blacony.
Capacity: 2,425 sold out