The Most Serene Republic
Underwater Cinematographer
Shiny/Arts & Crafts

Given the right set of headphones, or some decent speakers, 'Underwater Cinematographer' is a fine album - anything less and the vocals are frustratingly barely discernable from a well-instrumented bed of textured percussion. Perhaps this is why I like Proposition 61 with the clearly enunciated vocal backdrop of "She took a sad song and made it sadder!" - pure El Guapo/Supersystem genius.

As a general categorisation, The Most Serene Republic sound like Architecture In Helsinki and Postal Service, sharing a strawberry shake and good times at the local milk bar, albeit discussing important matters. Adrian Jewett's vocals sway between Ben Gibbard's Seattle sulk and Screamfeeder's Tim Steward's nasal affectation (especially on (Oh) God). Jewett's voice is thus instantly familiar and distinct, yet still struggles to hold its own.

Proposition 61's hand-claps and finger-snaps echo AIH's play-school charm and Jewett's now chameleon vocals adapt to Cameron Bird's whispering, almost percussive vocals; there's even a bit of beat boxing! The interlude to The Protagonist...is nearly as unnecessary as the 14-word-long title but the chorus sing-along to Where Cedar Nouns And Adverbs Walk ("I think we all know the words,") helps to dispel any pretentious preconceptions.

Signed to Canada's Arts & Crafts label, synonymous with Broken Social Scene and the various incestuous projects thereof, The Most Serene Republic are purportedly the only purely non-BSS associated members. 'Underwater Cinematographer', understandably, fails to reach the unimpeachable pop of Postal Service but offers somewhat more depth than AIH. The backing vocals on this album, supplied by Ryan Lenssen and Sean Woolven, catch my attention every time, but I, like the album, become a little unfocussed betwixt the shouting. And then, just when I think it's all over, You're A Loose Cannon McArthur...But You Get The Job Done (one of the more impressive titles on the album) grabs my hand and pulls me back onto the dance floor with the spoken sample intro, driven and diverse tempo and, again, strong backing vocals - a redeemer, just in the nick of time.

Cassie Hilditch