Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream

The sophomore self-aware release from Canadians The Most Serene Republic …And the Ever Expanding Universe lacks the coherence and thoroughness of their debut release, but there’s certain maturation of this band into some electrofolk-pop mutant that will be deliciously sweet one day not too far from now. …And the Every Expanding Universe misses a great deal more than it hits, failing to find the catchy hook or infuse familiarity into their eccentric rhythms. But twice on this album do the cosmic forces (i.e. the band) bring forth a wonderfully delightful track. “Heavens to Purgatory” opens with a strained vocal wailing, servicing the banjo and a subtle breakbeat to burst open the song to emotive folk anthem. “Vessels of a Donor Look” begins with classic 70s rock piano chords, and as the drums come in, you won’t be able to tell the difference between The Strokes and TMSR. Pulsing bass lines, an absolutely infectious chorus, and the slight tremolo of strings all linger in the air long after the 2:55 closing mark.

Get a copy of …And the Ever Expanding Universe (officially drops July 14th).

Listen to “Vessels of a Donor Look”

Listen to “Heavens to Purgatory“