Running with the success of 'Underwater Cinematographer', MSR add a little Flaming Lips, & a lot of Polyphonic Spree for their second record, 'Population'. Still wearing their influences on their sleeves, proudly at that, it almost makes it forgivable that their sound is really a culmination of many of their contemporaries. It all adds up to a fantastic end product though, somehow, I'm really still not sure how. 'Population' boasts it's BSS and New Pornographer song style with flair, and two lead singers that pretty much sound exactly like Ben Gibbard and Amy Milian -- and yet they're able to find a sound that is distinctly them. The swooping melodies, jazzy interludes/drumming and varied vocals give the Republic something of their own, independent of their peers. Their musicianship really isn't where their weakness lies, they're quite good at layering sounds and their song composition at times is really fucking impressive (or just sweet) -- but man those lyrics get pretty vapid. Their heart is in the right place, 'Population' is full of fantastic alterations to suburban life, big brother, modern living and the quest for happiness. Then there are gems like 'Suffers breasts - and the dryness of climatic milk' - what the fuck guys? 'Population' is still a beast of a record, The Republic are able to sprawl over nearly an hour of flowing, fantastic tunes. Though sometimes, you just need a break.
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