Band of the Week: The Most Serene Republic

[December 3-10]
The Most Serene Republic
Sounds Like: Indie Rock
Drinking Buddies: Broken Social Scene, Do Make Say Think, The Arcade Fire.
Synopsis: One spoonful arty-rock, two dashes of Canadian seasoning; mix well in bowl until it looks like modern art.
Makes You Want To...: Lower volume/seek earplugs; Paint; Move to Canada.
[Myspace]






One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is The Most Serene Republic.


December is here. New month, new bands. That sounds like a good theory. When I think new bands, and when I think about good bands, the four words that I lavishly lick off my lips is The Most Serene Republic.

The Most Serene Republic is a catchy, quirky sextet of art students from Toronto. They hail from the Arts & Crafts label, touted formally as "the first band on the Arts & Crafts label that has no members associated with Broken Social Scene." Seeing how Broken Social Scene is quite domineering (granted, they're sort of amazing and stuff) on Arts & Crafts, this is quite a thing to brag about.

But don't their gallivanting family throw you off. Though The Most Serene Republic is the new cousin to the family, they hold their own against the mega-giants from BSS. Playing a catchy, unique modern-indie rock, they weave around with their music, searching for inspiration and experimentation. They have a taste of orchestral rock that all modern Canadian bands seem to have these day, and have an intense "wall of sound" factor (AKA: when they want to, they can be REALLY loud). With two albums, including their first, Underwater Cinematographer, which has recieved a good bit of credit in its circulation, as well as an EP under their belt, TMSR seeks to make just as bold a name as their Arts and Crafts brethren.


The Most Serene Republic recently released their second album, Population, to rave reviews by indie blogs and whatnot (they earn my eentro-net props, even though I haven't formally reviewed the album). They have also released a video for their first single off the album, "The Men Who Live Upstairs," which was featured on Voilà! a week or so ago. Obviously, also they have their own handy-dandy Myspace that you should add. Everyone have a nice week!