The Most Serene Republic was the first band signed to the Arts & Crafts label that wasn't an offshoot of that label's flagship act, Broken Social Scene. But that doesn't mean it's not constantly lumped in with them. Population is its sophomore album, following 2005's solid debut, Underwater Cinematographer. It's pretty hard to see any progression in the band's sound from that record to this one. The songs are still the type of indie pop-prog that's currently in vogue. Population is supposedly inspired by the urban sprawl that surrounds the band's hometown of Toronto, which is an interesting mission for a band that numbers seven musicians. "Humble Presents" is the kind of introductory piece that we've come to expect at the beginning of records by bands like this; it's full of woozy instrumentation and grand percussion.

The utter urgency of "Compliance" is probably the album's best moment, one that's nearly equaled by "Present of Future End." That tune's a hard-charging rocker that features the record's best guitar riff. "A Mix of Sun And Cloud" almost sounds like the indie elevator lounge rock that Air used to be masters at creating. Population is obviously a diverse affair, but in the end, it still manages to feel like one long piece of music. If you listen to bands like this for a dose of sloppy, life-affirming musical freedom, there's little doubt you'll find it in spades on Population. But you'll also encounter a fairly average record along the way.