CD Review: The Most Serene Republic
Christina CaldwellIssue date: 7/16/09 Section: Music
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...And the Ever Expanding Universe
(Arts & Crafts)
Grade: A-
Do you think Canada is magic?
Despite its bad rap as being our wussy neighbor to the north, Canada could very well have magical powers that produce lovely indie rock bands. Call it Canada's only talent, but the Canucks really have a knack for espresso-sipping, glasses-wearing, bearded rock. Just kittens, Canada.
Case and point - The Most Serene Republic's catchy seven-piece foot-stomping sound.
Their latest disc, ...And the Ever Expanding Universe, is a playful and intelligent mix of piano, violin, banjo, angelic and edgy vocals, thanks to female lead Emma Ditchburn and male lead Adrian Jewett.
But it's the track without vocals that really stands out. The nearly six-minute symphony that is "Patternicity" is essentially song sex (not to be confused with a sex song). Starting with orchestral string-picking and pinging piano, it sounds like a Tim Burton score, which soon peaks into something that can only be described as an orgasm, quickly coming down into a soft, lovely cuddle. Oh yes.
"Catharsis Boo" and "Don't Hold Back, Feel a Little Longer," offer edgy, jammy, bass-driven licks, which are something you can clap your hands to - a departure from the rest of the album's lovely melodies.
So thank you Canada for your music treasures. And maple syrup.
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