Weekly Release Spotlight: Metric

Posted on 5/11/2009

Metric

Fantasies

[Last Gang]

Metric's blend of pop, synth-rock and electronica first started making noise in the late 90s when Emily Haines hooked up with James Shaw in Toronto. The pair started writing songs together and decided to move to New York City in 1998, where they shared a Williamsburg loft with future members of Yeah Yeah Yeahs and TV on the Radio. Haines and Shaw dubbed their group Metric, the name of a favorite synth beat, and quickly got the attention of labels. Now a decade into their career, the band, which also includes Joules Scott Key and Josh Winstead, is a force to be reckoned with. Their latest release, Fantasies, is bound to be their most successful yet, with the band poised to move from the indie pop scene into full-on superstardom.

Fantasies is a glossy, shiny, well-produced pop masterpiece. Synths and drum machines pound out steady rhythms and juicy melodies. Haines's voice glistens, bringing to mind 80s new wave like Blondie or The Cars. She also lets her songwriting and reflection out on a couple of the slower, ballad-like numbers. "Sick Muse" stands out on the album, perhaps the epitome of what electronic dance pop should be. "Gold Guns Girls" and "Gimme Sympathy" offer more of the same shiny melodies and shimmering beats.

Though some may be put off by the nearly perfect production of the album, especially when compared to their earlier offerings, Metric is simply just shooting for the top. With their independent minds and catchy pop hooks, it's likely that "Stadium Love," the last offering on the disc, could become reality for the band.

Catch Metric at the First Avenue Mainroom on June 13th with Sebastien Grainger.

Written by Andrew Zoellner, Radio K volunteer.