Broken Social Scene Set the Tone for a Mellow Night in the Loop in Saint Louis

Sean Derrick October 11, 2023 0 Comments Broken Social Scene, Hannah Georgas, Saint Louis concert review and photos

–by Laura Tucker

The Delmar Loop was alive with activity last Thursday night and Broken Social Scene was performing at The Pageant. Arriving about twenty-five minutes before showtime, I found myself in the lot behind The Pageant looking for a spot and they were hard to come by.

As I made my way into the venue, I found only a marginal crowd for the opening act, Hannah Georgas, causing me to wonder why there was such limited availability outside. She and her guitarist took the stage at 8:00 to begin a night of some of the most soothing tunes you’ll find outside of the Chill station. Both Georgas and the headliner Broken Social Scene, were incredibly laid-back performances.

Hannah Georgas at The Pageant in Saint Louis. Photo by Laura Tucker/ Laura Tucker Photography.

While introducing the first two numbers, Hannah gave us some insight into their inception. The first one, “Enemies” was about firing someone, the second, “Don’t Go” about losing someone. Maybe that’s the root of her melodic sound.

The two performers played guitar with a drum track in the background while they swayed back and forth like wind chimes on the breezy day. The audience couldn’t help but do the same. Singing softly in a tone that’s just above a whisper. Vocal layering fills in the gaps and creates a full-bodied sound. Her short, six-song set was a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

By 9:00 the venue was full. Not sold out, but very full. The stage was set for the the eight-piece band. Complete with six microphones and guitars, a drum kit, bongos and a pair of brass instruments to start. The Vox amp stack at the back of stage brought a vintage vibe to the arrangement. At 9:05, the band started filling in the spaces reserved for them. With that many artists to coordinate, you’re bound to run a few minutes behind. But just a few. And throughout the evening, showing their diverse talents, they moved around swapping instruments. Jill Harris, the only female member, came out a few songs in to lend a hand with vocals.

Broken Social Scene is not new to the Indie genre. In fact, they are Indie rock pioneers founded by songwriter Kevin Drew and musician Brendan Canning have perfected their eclectic sound over the past two decades.

The album You Forgot It In People just celebrated its 20th anniversary in April. Other members include Andrew Whiteman, Charles Spearin, Justin Proof, Evan Crawley, James Shaw, Sam Goldberg and David French.

The large ensemble played a two-hour set to a packed house of loyal fans and entertained them with music is that is like a long interlude that draws you in.

As the evening progressed, so did the sound. The baroque pop style that they are known for was on full display with “Anthems For a Seventeen-Year-Old Girl”.

Hannah George came back out to help with this one. It’s a bit hard to explain but I get the baroque connection. It’s a sound that you just have to hear for yourself.