The Most Serene Republic
… And the Ever Expanding Universe
(Arts & Crafts)
1/2
Hot on the heels of April’s Digital Population EP,
which remixed five tunes from 2007’s Population in 16-bit
Nintendo-style, this album shows off the Most Serene Republic’s
uncoventional streak. The Toronto group’s first two records of
sprawling, progressive indie-pop are solid, but ultimately forgettable.
… And the Ever Expanding Universe fairs a little better, but
not much. The album’s first four tracks find the band repeating their
past sonic highlights. But it switches gears on “The Old Forever New
Things.” Adrian Jewett and Emma Ditchburn’s tandem vocals hit something
magical, almost in the same vein as their fellow Canucks Broken Social
Scene. It’s an enchanting and mystical number accentuated by Nick
Greaves’ banjo. “All of One Is the Other” follows, and it’s more of the
same. This time, things are more down-tempo, almost ambient —
“Patternicity” sounds like incidental music from Fantasia, and “Don’t Hold Back, Feel a Little Longer” even branches out in a more
synthy direction. Too bad so much of the rest of the album feels like
the band’s past work. — Jeremy Willets
This article appears in Jul 22-28, 2009.
