There’s a certain joy to a Broken Social Scene record; whether it be from the communal feel of any record (something assisted in no small part to the 18 musicians listed as being a part of the project), or because of the sickly sweet album titles – Hug Of Thunder follows 2010’s Forgiveness Rock Record, the charm of Broken Social Scene is apparent. So after seven years without a studio release, it feels good to say that BSS is back and, thankfully, the results don’t disappoint.

Hug Of Thunder was ushered in with the release of ‘Halfway Home’ so it feels apt that after the splendid minute-long instrumental ‘Sol Luna’ comes the grandiose first single. The track is an urgent affair soaring through its five minutes with a feeling of overwhelming whimsy – it’s a truly excellent single and reminds us all of just why there was a level of disappointment when the band announced their “indefinite hiatus” in 2011.

If anything though, that split was out of necessity. Broken Social Scene now represents something of a supergroup; Emily Haines’ Metric have gone onto bigger and better things since that split, whilst Leslie Feist’s latest record is a gorgeous affair in itself. The great thing about the success of other projects within the BSS circle means that Hug Of Thunder is being released because they want it, not because they need it – and that free sense is apparent from the off.

More: REVIEW – Feist // Pleasure 

‘Protest Song’ is another example of just why the collective have been missed. The drums are surging, the guitars frantic, whilst the lyrics show a degree of dry wit not oft seen from the group with the chorus proclaiming “We’re just the latest in the longest rank and file ever to exist / In the history of the protest song”. Broken Social Scene may have something to say about the political state of the world, but that’s not to say they aren’t self-aware of just what many will feel when seeing a song titled ‘Protest Song’.

However, the return isn’t entirely successful with a few weaker cuts towards the end of the album. ‘Victim Lover’ drifts by without leaving an impression with its soft-rock sound, whilst the preceding ‘Towers And Masons’ lacks an identity throughout.

Still, Hug Of Thunder is a success by and large and that is never more apparent than in the art-rock title-track. The alluring vocal of Leslie Feist seduces the listener into the darker side of Broken Social Scene, with the minimal instrumentation giving a freeing sense to the track underneath the spoken word. Elsewhere, ‘Gonna Get Better’ evokes tones of Local Natives with the song emphasising the band’s superb eye for pop.

More: Top 200 Albums of the ’00s 

Hug Of Thunder is a triumphant return and shows that Broken Social Scene haven’t missed a step in their hiatus. The aggressive beginning countered by the passive and flowing latter stages creates a well-balanced record full of fun moments and whilst the album isn’t a complete success, it is a welcome return. (7/10) (John Tindale)

But what did you think? Listen below and comment. Remember, you can follow the Student Playlist on Twitter (@studentplaylist), whilst you can also follow writer @JohnTindale1996. Happy reading everyone!