Canada seems to have some kind of special claim on collaborative all-star group projects, if the commercial and artistic success of bands like the New Pornographers and Broken Social Scene is any yardstick. Like the New Pornographers, Broken Social Scene includes members of several different bands (in this case the Dears, Stars, Feist, and Metric, among others), all of whom lend their remarkable talents to a band that equals more than the sum of its parts.

The band's self-titled third release defines the group's indie-rock ethos perfectly, building on the promise of their acclaimed sophomore effort (which won a Juno Award). The fact that the band is reaching orchestra size doesn't affect the focus and intensity of the music a whit; in fact, BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE is full of wild, ambitious music that is fleshed out with sophisticated arrangements, harmonies, horns, and plenty of surprising experimental touches.