Hailing from the suburbs of Toronto, quirky indie rock sextet the Most Serene Republic formed in 2003 and inked a deal with Arts & Crafts shortly thereafter, becoming the first band signed to the Toronto label that didn't include a member of Broken Social Scene. North American dates with Canadian pals Stars followed into spring 2005. The band's sophisticated debut, Underwater Cinematographer, was issued later that summer, while in October 2007, the Most Serene Republic's Population hit shelves. ~ MacKenzie Wilson