November 27th, 2009. The Paragon Theatre, Halifax, NSFellow Concert goer: Joelle Grant
Headliner: The Most Serene Republic
Supporting: Mardeen, First Aid Kit
Three guitars. Drums. Bass. Keys. The occasional trumpet. Multiple vocalists. The live show can be overwhelming at times with so many instruments all being played independently, yet mixing together to form one huge sound. The Most Serene Republic returned to Halifax to play a show for the first time since their Halifax Pop Explosion dates in 2007. Since then the band has released a new album and seems to have embraced all that goes into being a successful band, good and bad. Lead singer Adrian Jewett has gone from the clean shaven look to the scruffy bearded Joaquin Phoenix look. While his vocal delivery was spot on, it was apparent that some mind altering substances were at work as he eccentrically glanced around and sang. He referred to the show being something like grade six and not knowing what was going on. Other strange shenanigans throughout the night included two girls going backstage and coming out dancing on the stage during the last song and the encore. While the whole show was quite a bit to comprehend, it was enjoyable. The songs from the new album ...And The Ever Expanding Universe worked well live and showed off the bands great talent. They have the "it" factor that sets them apart from other bands trying to make good music. The long obscure song title name and interestingly named album provide a brief glance at the creativity that goes into the composition of their songs.
Setlist:
Bubble Reputation
Anhoi Polloi
Sherry And Her Butterfly Net
(oh) God
Heavens To Purgatory
Phages
Phi
The Men Who Live Upstairs
The Old Forever New Things
Why So Looking Back
Content Was Always My Favorite Colour
Four Humours
Don't Hold Back, Feel A Little Longer
No One Likes a Nihilist
You're Not An Astronaut
Present Of Future End
encore
Where Cedar Nouns And Adverbs Walks
