The Most Serene Republic is yet another one of those rock bands, er, “collectives,” from Canada on the Arts & Crafts label with a sprawling, eclectic sound, at least one unusual instrument (trombone), and a certain anarchic spirit. Unlike some of the other bands from north of the border, the Most Serene Republic hasn’t made a really big impression on me. The group’s new record, Population, strikes me as pretty good, a fairly pleasant listen, but then after listening to it, nothing much sticks in my mind. The band came to the Beat Kitchen on Saturday, and they were pretty enjoyable as a live band, largely due to the slightly demented demeanor of lead singer Adrian Jewett. I’m still not sure I’m going to remember these songs for very long, but I did like what I saw and heard Saturday night.
The first band of the night was a Chicago outfit called Blueblood, which was a pleasant surprise. Vigorous singing, strong rhythms and (you guessed it) post-punk angularities. The second band was Mock Orange. The group attracted some fans who showed their appreciation with loud yells (including one guy who urged Mock Orange to play “28 more songs” instead of one more as they wrapped up their set), but I can’t say I enjoyed the band all that much. Not my cup of tea, I guess.
See my photos of the Most Serene Republic, Blueblood and Mock Orange.