Date of show: September 11, 2010
The Most Serene Republic is a Milton/Toronto-based 6 member-deep kaleidoscope pop band comprised of Adrian Jewett (vocals, trombone), Ryan Lenssen (keys, trumpet, vocals), Sean Woolven (guitar, vocals), Nick Greaves (guitar), Simon Lukasewich (bass, violin), Adam Balsam (drums). On top of these 6 members, they also brought out a couple more friends to add to the horn section on trumpet, as well as some harmonies, for a couple tunes. They produce a boisterous sound, particularly with the added horn section, and considering the amount of people that were on stage, I’m not sure it could get any louder. I’m sure that sounds so Broken Social Scene-like, which should not surprise you since they previously held the title of the only band signed to Arts & Crafts that did not have any affiliation with Broken Social Scene. Now, after a few lineup changes (former co-vocalist and guitarist Emma Ditchburn left the band), these guys released their Fantasick Impossibliss EP. It’s been available since the spring, but this show at The Horseshoe Tavern marked their Toronto celebration for the EP release on their own label, Home of the Rebels (available physically tomorrow). They brought out The Order of Good Cheer and Dinosaur Bones to help kick off the night (more on Dinosaur Bones’ set can be found here).
This was the first time I have seen The Most Serene Republic and, for a band that’s already released 3 full-length albums, I am pretty disappointed about now having made it out to one of their shows before. They were likely one of the most fun bands I have ever seen live. Jewett is one of the most entertaining frontmen I have seen, as he makes the silliest faces and keeps up the fun atmosphere with his amusing stage banter. He said, “I say it ever time, but I wish I played guitar” and lamented that he has to dance around instead. At times he was even playing air guitar. Despite the potential for sloppiness on stage with that many members, they were clean and their transitions between instruments were seamless enough that it is evident how well these guys work together as a musical machine.
I’m looking forward to seeing more from this guys and currently kicking myself for having waited so long to catch a live show, even though their recorded endeavors have been on my radar for quite some time already. They’ve had some buzz surrounding them recently, as their song “Pink Noise” is the official song for the Roots x Douglas Coupland clothing line and their video for “Heavens to Purgatory,” which was directed by Ben Steiger-Levine, was nominated for the 2010 “Video of the Year” Juno Award. Keep yourself dialed with what may come next from these guys (presumably a full-length) and definitely check them out live!
In June I was able to catch a couple of shows when The Order of Good Cheer were doing their residency at The Piston to support their release of their double EP Tanto Manta ~ Manta Tanto. They brought out some great acts to support them: Still Life Still, Bad Yoga (Neil Quin and Mike O’Brien of Zeus, William Delray and Jay McCarrol of The Golden Dogs), Hollerado, and Dan Griffin of the Arkells. Despite the excellent roster of friends, I wasn’t sure I was crazy about The Order of Good Cheer, but I must say that I was pretty impressed with them at The Horseshoe Tavern. The Order of Good Cheer are Francesco Guidoccio (vocals, bass), Dave Tysowski (drums, vocals), Chris Greenough (guitar, vocals), and Kyle Wilson (keys, vocals). Guidoccio has quite the stage presence and they create some really fun and energetic rock and roll tunes.
These guys put themselves completely out there on that stage. They were drenched in sweat and, to be honest, I have never seen someone rock out so hard on ukelele (Wilson). Their last two songs of their set were titled “Marijuana Girlfriend” and “Hammered and High”, so I think that gives you an idea of the boozy and intoxicated theme of their style of Southern rock. Their lyrics are not thought-provoking in any way shape or form, but what is clear is that they have a good time on stage and bring a fun, light-heartedness to the atmosphere (which is appropriate consider their namesake). After having seen them at this show, I most certainly recommend you check them out.
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