Leader of the pack: Kevin Drew at T in the Park Pic: © Drew Farrell
When reviewing a festival it's hard to be an expert on all the bands you see over the course of the weekend. But it still feels shameful to admit that I've never really listened to Broken Social Scene. However, given that I've just seen and enjoyed Diana Vickers and Chipmunk, it feel like I have precious little dignity left to lose, hence this confessional paragraph.
The Canadian collective comprise of enough members that I wouldn't waste your time naming them all, even if I could, though they are mostly male - the only exception being Lisa Lobsinger, who sings lead vocals on a number near the end - and of that mostly beardy.
The band are led onstage by Kevin Drew, who announces the band's admirable ambition to plough through as many songs as possible during their short stage time, before hurtling without fuss through Texico Bitches, a new number from this year’s album Forgiveness Rock Record.
Order of the day seems to be pacy alt-indie furnished with some striking melodies, the impressive array of guitars foremost in the mix. Oh, plus there's some percussion, keyboards, sometimes some brass, or even a bit of flute - I think - depending on which of the 83 members are currently performing.
There's probably enough musicians onstage at some moments that they could legally declare independence from the UK, and set up their own benevolent dictatorship within the King Tuts Wah Wah Hut tent. I’m guessing that most festival-goers inside would probably react most favourably to such a development.
PHOTO GALLERY
Drew thanks Scotland at the close and introduces us to our apparent new brass-heavy, instrumental national anthem. It's all good and jaunty and spirited - both band and crowd bouncing along merrily - though I can't help but feel that any old biddies who aren't here, of which I fear there are many, would probably prefer something with a few lyrics, and a whole lot more accordion.
Broken Social Scene turn out to have come armed to T in the Park with a damned fine collections of songs, their tunes such asCause = Time all memorable enough that I'll instantly recall their inclusion in the set when I leave the festival, then finally getting a grip and making my way to an outlet where I can properly educate myself in their work, like I should have done years ago. Let's just hope there isn't any Chipmunk or Diana Vickers on the shelves at the same time, or else I could be in a whole lot of trouble...
