Tom Lynch

The blip-heavy indie-pop from Canada’s The Most Serene Republic—the first non-Broken Social Scene-related band signed to Arts & Crafts—was initially introduced with 2005’s completely giddy, insane "Underwater Cinematographer," a baffling, but enjoyable, exercise in bubblegum IDM. (The shifts in signatures, not to mention the layering of vocals and general electronic tidbits, goes well overboard in a confounding, but amusing, way.) The new record, "Population," features a "more mature" band—less crazy-for-crazy’s sake, the record’s sound, while still joyous and gargantuan, is actually reined in at moments. Lyrically, it’s dark as hell—some tough times must’ve hit these guys over the last two years. That incongruity, between sound and meaning, this mash-up of conflicting thoughts and soundwaves, is what makes the record special, an improvement on the band’s debut and yet another pleasing excretion from Arts & Crafts. Live, the band’s expectedly nuts—you’ll have a good time.

The Most Serene Republic plays December 8 at Beat Kitchen, 2100 West Belmont, (773)281-4444, at 9:30pm. $10. (2007-12-04)

Also by Tom Lynch

Tip of the Week
For the sixth year in a row, The Second City e.t.c. stage hosts "The Second City That Never Sleeps: Letters to Santa," a twenty-four-hour benefit that provides holiday gifts for children in need
(2007-11-27)

For the Records
Last year we saw Chicago’s own Touch & Go label celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary; Ian MacKaye’s D.C.-based Dischord is in its mid-twenties as well. And, as of this season, Chicago’s Thrill Jockey, founded by Bettina Richards, turns 15
(2007-11-27)

For the Thrill of It
Califone; Freakwater; Adult.
(2007-11-27)

Tip of the Week
Written and performed by The Frames leader Glen Hansard and Czech pianist and vocalist Marketa Irglova—who are the two leads in the film and tour as The Swell Season—the music is more complex than typical singer-songwriter fare, and when the two make the most of their vocal harmonies and last-chorus crescendos, it’s as meaningful and resplendent as anything
(2007-11-19)

Math Man
(2007-11-06)

Seeing Red
(2007-10-30)

Tip of the Week
(2007-10-30)

Tip of the Week
(2007-10-30)

Tip of the Week
(2007-10-23)

Tip of the Week
(2007-10-23)

Disturbia on Broadway
(2007-10-23)

Over "In Rainbows"
(2007-10-19)

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