Review Summary: This tour-only EP, released by the Toronto based septuplet during their 06 escapades, is a very enjoyable record that I warrant not enough people have had the pleasure of hearing.
The Most Serene Republic fit pretty easily into the Canadian indie scene; the first band signed to A&C without ties to Broken Social Scene, they released this initially tour-only EP in 2006, shortly after recording it. Newcomers to The Most Serene Republic will find the group a little familiar and bearing the light influence of such groups as Stars or Broken Social Scene, however, the Phages EP has enough creativity and innovation on it that it can truly be enjoyed as a uniquely pleasant experience. By no means is it groundbreaking or some matchless album, but it has its own special feel to it. The prettiness of the chorus in "Jazz Ordinaire", as well as the upbeat verse and lovely vocals throughout the song, is very awesome.
Released following the group’s rather average debut, "Underwater Cinematographer", and a year prior to their next and latest album "Population", it has a little more relaxed quality to it and feels like a more comfortable match for the group, even with its spastic and at times seemingly obnoxious drumming. If you have heard "Underwater Cinematographer", I think you will be really surprised by "Phages". It shows genuine development by the group, as though they have found what truly suits them best. It feels much more natural, the ambience the album creates, the prettiness, compared to the blunter more conventional tracks they began their careers with. Not to say that “Underwater Cinematographer” was terribly weak or boring or without any great tracks, but with the Phages EP you sense a more distinct shape taken by the group, which in my opinion, is a welcome occurrence.
From the top the release aims to please and satisfy. Beginning with a funky yet pretty piano riff, it immediately launches into an ambient phrase which sends the EP rocketing off. The album slows down a little on the title track, but towards the middle of the song it begins building again with a repeated vocal line, creating a beautiful effect. Then horns are added and it makes for a very nice climax. This gentle yet emotive feeling the album emanates is perhaps what I like best about “Phages”. It has an immature, or perhaps an ingenuous sort of epic-ness to it that I find very pleasurable.
Another nice thing about the EP is that the tracks toward the end of it are by no means lacking; rather, some of my favorites lie at the end of “Phages”. It carries the listener swiftly through all eight songs, so fast that you are eager to replay it again, especially the majestic “Stay Ups” which closes out the record.
Concerning standout tracks on the EP, the only ones I can really think of naming are “Emergency Performance Art Piece”, basically only an opener, however still a great track, and the aforementioned “Jazz Ordinaire”, which is easily my favorite on the EP. Perhaps “Anhoi Polloi” as well, with its peaceful refrain and picturesque finish. Again, however, the beauty in the record is most notable when you survey “Phages” as a whole. Every track is at least somewhat enjoyable and together it makes for a wonderful album.
