Most Serene Republic Lose Member

The Most Serene Republic's Emma Ditchburn has, erm, ditched the band.

The band announced Ditchburn had left the fold in a post on their website on Saturday (Jan. 23).

"For the past 5 years we have had the pleasure of working with a close friend & bandmate by the name of Emma Ditchburn," they wrote.

"So with that we feel that we should inform you that Emma will no longer be performing with us. We wish Emma all the best with her future endeavours and know that she will continue to do great things."

Ditchburn joined The Most Serene Republic in 2004 and played on all three of the band's albums to date: 2005's Underwater Cinematographer, 2007's Population and last year's ...And The Ever Expanding Universe.

The Most Serene Republic have also offered up a B-side, "Longevity Please," which is the last track Ditchburn recorded with the band. You can download it here.

Never fear, indie rock fans: The Most Serene Republic aren't going anywhere just yet. In the same website post, the band state Ditchburn's departure will not herald their demise, but will instead be the start of "a brand new chapter that we are very excited to write for you."

With that, they plan to release an as-yet-untitled new album this spring or summer. Details haven't been revealed yet.