The Most Serene Republic @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
The Most Serene Republic are a septet from Milton, Ont. that, like their bill-mates Still Life Still, play an expansive brand of indie rock and roll with some sing song boy-girl vocal harmonies thrown in for good measure.

Grade: 74

Comment:
The Most Serene Republic seem to be finding their footing with more aplomb. That confidence was evident on Thursday night, though measured. There's still some hesitation or nervousness and a sense that they're always on the threshold of something really great.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronunciation: G
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
With seven people crammed onto the Courthouse stage it looked like sheer, unbridled pandemonium, but in a really good way. Their stage show is so honed and lively it's hard to not to be taken in by what's going on. Lead singer Adrian Jewett added a bit of dramatic flair with some mugging for the omni-present video cameras.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: G
Sound: S
Composition: G
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Not to belabour a point, but Jewett's high-pitched, nearly falsetto vocals were buried so much they were almost unintelligible for the majority of the set. As a consequence, the vocal back-and-forth the band engages in suffered. That said, the band's newer material is a noticeable improvement over previous efforts, with tighter arrangements and a more focussed direction.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: S
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The hipster-attired band works pretty well together, which is impressive given the many and varied lineup changes since the band's inception (this was only drummer Adam Balsam's second show with the band).