Metric - Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?

While Old World Underground bears resemblance to the electronically robust Eighties music genre, it is not by any means a “revival” of the preset-keyboards and excessive echo/reverb decade. For one, the production is a smooth integration of synth-instruments and indie-rock, not the oversaturated-electronically-unkempt Eighties approach. The electronic aspects are used to reinforce Emily Haines’ satirical rants and James Shaw’s caustic guitar riffs rather than drowning out the human element. In short, it is substance over style, an example of what music twenty years ago should have been. The songs are smooth and exceptionally easy to fall in love; each has its distinguishing hook, whether it’s the vocals, polished keyboards or the facetious/almost comical lyrics. The elegance embodied in the song writing and performance is articulated perfectly by the exceptional production that is the work of Michael Andrews, the man responsible for the ambient-yet-uncanny electronic masterpiece the Donnie Darko soundtrack. In fact, I would go as far as to say that there hasn’t been a producer/band relationship as cohesive and symbiotic since The Flaming Lips teamed up with Dave Friddman. The electronics are quaint, not so much experimental as just a unifying element that bolsters the smooth rhythms and solid writing. Most importantly, Metric isn’t just another contemporary retro band-of-the-week; this is an incredibly beautiful album that combines intelligent song writing with a unique sound. Go buy this album, you will love it. Emily says it best, “People should recycle more plastic and less culture." [www.ilovemetric.com]