A Republic We Can Get Behind
Arts & Crafts insists on making sure nothing bad comes out of Canada, ever.
The Most Serene Republic
Population
Released on Nov 30, -0001
Many bands make songs that are featured in movies – but very few can make music that sounds like a movie. The Most Serene Republic can - and does on Population, giving the listener an intricate, delicate and elaborate sound that can only be rivaled by fellow Arts & Crafts label mates, Broken Social Scene.
Instrumental tracks are sprinkled throughout the thirteen-song album; seemingly to show just how good MSR are at their craft. The first track, “Humble Peasants,? begins with strings and horns tuning up; much like an orchestra does before performing. This made me love Population from the get go – and I hoped the beginning was an indication that the album was going to be good. With that being said, “A Mix of Sun and Cloud? reminds me of something you’d hear on HBO or Showtime after dark.
The album ends with possibly the best song on the album, “Neurathenia.? The 3:13 track fades out with piano and the group harmonizing a bunch of “la la’s,? (which is actually a reoccurring element on the album) leaving my question answered that yes – Population is good. Real good.
High Point
Low Point
Posted by Wes Soltis on Oct 10, 2007 @ 12:00 am