WDOM BLOG

Another Arts and Crafts band from Canada is The Most Serene Republic. Fantastic band live that I saw at CMJ and even met the lead singer Adrian in the bathroom. Mostly, I greatly compare this band with its math indie rock style to Anathallo. They both use their instruments intelligently, and with a progressive indie style to it. oh, and there are trumpets...

... "Compliance" is a track I remember from the show and is also track 2 on the cd. I tried to figure out the meter for this song and couldn't do it. I have no idea how the drummer can keep whatever time signature he is using, when it seems so out of place or more likely unconventional, but everything soars comfortably on top of it. Musically, this song is top notch. Listening wise, its top notch. A great introduction into the world of The Most Serene Republic with great harmony and instrumental work.  "The Men Who Live Upstairs" starts out kinda like Death Cab For Cutie's "this Is The New York" but changes the hard chords that appear in that song, to a full acoustic guitar sound, and beautiful harmonies (told ya i was sucker didn't i?). It builds up with drumming and violins strewn on top of it all. Gorgeous. "Present Of Future End" is one of those great songs, with a chanting chorus, and sweet vocal action going on. Another amazing track and the piano part is sick. The guitars on this track are perfectly woven together along with the vocals from Adrian and Emma. "A Mix of Sun and Cloud" ah, here it is, the trumpet with some sick jazz drumming. Perfect, not to mention i feel like I'm on a cruise ship, then brought into it's elevator with another fun jazz piano segment. Just a great instrumental song all around. "Why So Looking Back" is one of my favorite tunes with a great verse. It's constructed with a drummer that knows not only how to play, but that plays it like its a voiced instrument, following the vocalists. Of course, the hand clap helps you get stoked for the chorus and bridge. It also folds itself into a Sufjan Stevens ending of Chicago Multiple Personality version with its guitar trilling and piano floating a mist. "Sherry and Her Butterfly Net" builds itself on silence for about 30 seconds when the piano comes in (like Mae sounding stuff, beautiful) and then the wall of sound hits you a minute into it. I swear to you, this drummer is amazing. He knows what he's doing. The guitar lick in this is great to as it's placed perfectly, sounding as if it is struggling to break, then it does. Another standout track, as it keeps the upbeat quality and complexity."Solipsism Millionaires" has to be their most accessible song as it sounds like American Football when the verse kicks in. The pre-chorus is sick by the way. Best one on the cd. Also, one of the best tracks on the cd hands down. I can't put the right label on it, but it feels almost as if Coldplay smashed Editors together on the chorus. It's brilliant and should be their single... Next up is "Multiplication Desks" another standout track. Strong in every way possible, it grows and grows. This would be my 2nd favorite track. Vocals in low-fi, then explode 2 minutes in and doesn't stop.  "Neurathenia" is the last track, starting off low-key and quiet then once again, becoming more than what it seems. This band just keeps impressing me with every track. Unfortunately its the last, and it ends rightfully slow, as an orchestration follows a piano and choir chant until all that is left, is the piano droning its notes. 

This band, is epic no doubt. If I had to give one good description, it would be a wall of sound, but a wall made of clouds with sun rays bouncing through all the clouds and a perfect sun on top. It's an epically good wall of sound. The Most Serene Republic only shows a promise of growing with a never ending supply of great instrumentals, melodies, harmonies, and beautifulness. Let's hope they keep going, as I'd be willing to stick around and wait to hear their growth. 

Tracks:

2: Compliance

4: Present of Future End

6: Battle Hymn Of The Republic

7: Why So Looking Back?

8: Sherry and Her Butterfly Net

11: Solipsism Millionaires

12: Multiplication Desks