Broken Social Scene Play Deserted Power Plant at Austin City Limits

Posted on Oct 3rd 2009 1:00PM by Mike Ayers
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On the cusp of downtown Austin, Texas, stands an old power plant, one of which hasn't provided much of a function for years now -- until last night. Austin's Rare Magazine and internet radio station Woxy decided to use it as a venue, converting the pavement outside into a stage area and the hollowed out insides into a VIP lounge. Headlining this unofficial Austin City Limits after party was Canadian's finest ensemble indie rock act, Broken Social Scene, who came to town for this show specifically, as they weren't on the actual festival bill.

The lineup for a Broken Social Scene show is always a shifting thing, depending on what members are off doing on their own, and this show consisted of what lead singer Kevin Drew dubbed "a Canadian sausage-fest." The band tore through a host of songs from their 2002 release, 'You Forgot It in the People,' including what Drew said was his favorite song off that record, 'Looks Just Like the Sun.'

Another little nugget was mentioned: the group is currently working in Chicago on their follow up to 2005's self-titled record and played one new song, 'Texaco Bitches.' Drew said the bass driven song was "written for your country," and it seemed to be a somewhat critical affair. Earlier in the set, he'd asked the crowd, "How's that whole 'yes we can' thing working? Working out so far?" No one really reacted, perhaps because the group's finest moment had just passed -- the uptempo jam 'Fire Eyed Boy' had just dazzled with a showcase of Drew and Brendan Canning's dual vocals.