Pitchfork

Say it ain't so! Canadian jangle'n'mope pop five-piece the Organ-- often noted for their Smithsy guitars and their Pat Benatarrifc vocals-- have called it quits, taking a piece of this humble reporter's fragile heart with them.

"We are sad to announce that we're breaking up. We want to thank our friends, fans, and family for all the support you gave to us. Thank you," read a message posted by the Organ today on their website. A similar missive-- adding that the breakup officially occurred this November-- went up simultaneously on the band's MySpace, prompting a chorus of exasperated NOOOOOOOOOOOs from fans/commenters around the world.

No reason for the split was given, although a CBC Radio 3 report speculates it may have stemmed from something as simple as band members now living in different cities.

Criminally overlooked by pretty much everyone I know, the Organ came together in Vancouver in 2001 and graced us with one album-- 2004's exquisite Grab That Gun-- as well as an EP, and a few singles and 7"s. Grab That Gun bore the stamp of Mint Records-- in conjunction with that guy from Nickelback's 604 imprint-- in North America, and Too Pure in the UK.

Singer Katie Sketch will likely continue her modeling career; she recently appeared in a 12-page gender-bending spread in the UK edition of Vogue. No word yet on future musical projects from the now ex-Organ-isms, but we'll keep you posted if anything's ever, er, organ-ized.

To hear an interview with Organ, er, organist Jenny Smyth, conducted by CBC Radio 3's Grant Lawrence, go here.