(G) The Most Serene Republic @ Spaceland (Nov. 7) Grade: A-
What a treat. MSR performed for free tonight and it was a shame more people did not turn out to see them. Musically, their landscapes are similar to Architecture in Helsinki in that within one song there are high points (crashing cymbals, screaming vocals) and lower plateaus (piano melodies, singer Adrian Jewett harmonizing with his mouth). After seeing MSR live, the almost frenetic energy compressed and then released throughout their album, Underwater Cinematographer, makes sense with such a borderline ADD case as Jewett in the frontman role. Filled with boundless energy, he almost stole the show. But what was more mesmerising was the sweet vocals of Emma Ditchburn. Although they are not breaking new ground, MSR is worth giving a listen.

(More Canucks tomorrow with Arts & Crafts label mates Broken Social Scene. Glee!)