Spring Break
Metric returns from hiatus brighter than ever
Allie Clark
Issue date: 4/17/09 Section: Diversions
Metric had been absent from the recording studio for four years when they reconvened to put together their fourth ablum, the glimmering and enthusiastic "Fantasies." With frontwoman Emily Haines fresh from an Argentine journey, and all of the members of the band satisfied by their own solo projects - Giant Studio recording facility, garage-rock band Bang Lime, and two releases from Emily Haines and The Soft Skeleton - it was time to craft more of Metric's special blend of electro-pop-rock-punk.
"Fantasies" is more on the pop side than the rock side, and shows a higher range of Haines' voice than has been seen in some time - especially for those familiar with Haines' solo work. One familiar aspect of the album are the world-savvy, intelligent lyrics. The words Haines sings are poetic without being labored, harsh at times without being overtly profane. The vocals intertwine with the electric guitars and keyboards to create a complex sonic layer that pulls you in and gets you moving.
One of the best songs on the album, "Gimme Sympathy," sends a feel-good wave over you as it says, "Oh seriously/you're gonna make mistakes you know/come on baby play me something/like 'Here Comes The Sun.'" The last song on the album, Stadium Love, features surreal gladiator-style fights between mismatched animal competitors: "spider vs bat/tiger vs rat/ owl vs dove." While some tracks may be brighter, all songs on this album shine.
Allie Clark
diversions@dailybarometer.com
"Fantasies" is more on the pop side than the rock side, and shows a higher range of Haines' voice than has been seen in some time - especially for those familiar with Haines' solo work. One familiar aspect of the album are the world-savvy, intelligent lyrics. The words Haines sings are poetic without being labored, harsh at times without being overtly profane. The vocals intertwine with the electric guitars and keyboards to create a complex sonic layer that pulls you in and gets you moving.
One of the best songs on the album, "Gimme Sympathy," sends a feel-good wave over you as it says, "Oh seriously/you're gonna make mistakes you know/come on baby play me something/like 'Here Comes The Sun.'" The last song on the album, Stadium Love, features surreal gladiator-style fights between mismatched animal competitors: "spider vs bat/tiger vs rat/ owl vs dove." While some tracks may be brighter, all songs on this album shine.
Allie Clark
diversions@dailybarometer.com
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