Customer Reviews

Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

From start to finish, this album rocks. I like the new-wave influences, the edgy pop-punk guitar work, and the pounding bass lines. Song faves are upbeat, pounding "Hustle Rose," "The List," and "Combat Baby," and slow songs "Calculation Theme" and "Love is a Place." But every song on this CD is fabulous, and I find myself singing lyrics like "every ten-year old enemy soldier thinks falling bombs are shooting stars sometimes..." (IOU)

If you get a chance to see this group live, don't miss it. They are even more electric and edgy, plus you get to see the sexy Ms. Emily Haines shake her groove thang.

I cannot say enough good things about this album. This is one of those rare albums where every track is a winner. I don't have a favorite track, I love all of them! I suppose the musical style of Metric is a wonderful fusion of pop/rock/alternative/new wave. This album is a blast. I encourage anyone reading this to just give them a try. Metric is one of the more overlooked bands and they deserve recognition. The only reason I am not giving this five stars, is I reserve those for real classics that stand the test of time. I've been listening to this for over a year or so, but i want to give it a bit more time before I decide if it's five star worthy.

I've gone to quite a few shows in my life and never once have I left pining over the opening band more then the headliner. Emily Haines, the lead singer of Metric has an amazing voice and exudes a sex appeal my girl and I couldn't stop talking about. This was also the first time I've seen a crowd so into the opener that they came out and did an encore.

Musically the band is as technically sound as it gets and have fused quite a few influences into a very enjoyable sound. I've purchased the CD and can say that the quiet intesity of the music and sex appeal that surrounds Metric carried over flawlessly.

I don't have the same issues with the lyrics as most reviewers have. Yeah, some of the more questionable lyrical passages leave something to be desired, but at least it is a more original kind of weak, if that makes sense (at least she isn't singing "thinking of all the things you said back in forth inside my head).

But yeah, the music is just awesome. They contrast dynamically very well (esp. 'Hustle Rose' and 'IOU'). I feel there are no moments in songs that they had just left out (although in 'Hustle Rose' the "Now that your wallet is all lit up" can get annoying at times). I especially love Emily's singing style on this album. The melodies are also very well done. I originally got this album after hearing it a couple times from a friend, and just HAD to hear 'Calculation Theme' again.

Definitely recommended.

I'm a big fan of bands with female vocalists, but Metric blew me away. From the beginning seconds of IOU, I was loving this band. The songs are damn catchy and extremely well written and polished. Emily's voice is so crisp and clear, she's truly a talent.

They carry a very 90's sound which isn't a bad thing by any means. I think the best comparison I could give this band is Joy Drop. However, its obvious that Metric is far more talented.

The best tracks on this album are "Combat Baby" and "Succexy"
I haven't seen this band live, but its obvious they carry a lot of energy.

This is definitly one of the best albums I've heard so far this year!

Well i just got this cd and have to say they have a pretty fresh sound. Definitely more pop than indie, they are certainly classified as an indie band...reminding me of a more electronic 'that dog' mixed with 'the anniversary'. I did read a review that said the songs were too simplistic, but i dont think being simple is a bad thing, especially when they are catchy simplistic! The lead singer has a craft at using her voice to achieve wonderful melodies, girlish at times, mature and rich at others, and then dark and almost reminiscent of a female interpol at others. the variety in her voice adds to the 'simplicity' of their music, and at any rate, the songs are damn catchy so who cares?! the only negative criticism i can give is that some of the songs, such as the slower ones, have the potential to be more intense and endearing, but then their potential is shortened by the ending riff of the guitar. It's a sad thing when you hear a song that is just starting to build up and in your head your singing harmonies and visualizing amazing guitar solos to come, and then the song ends. some of the songs have the potential to rise to a 'rainer maria' kind of intensity, when the lead singers voice grows and the music grows and you move to the edge of your seat in awe.
But all in all they do have a unique sound for a poppy indie band with a female lead singer (i rarely hear very good ones)...
enjoy!

I accidentally stumbled across Metric. I saw the video for "Monster Hospital" (from their other CD "Live It Out"), and was hooked immediately. From Old World Underground, Succexy, Combat Baby, The List, and Dead Disco became instant favorites of mine. I sometimes have trouble getting the songs out of my head. The songs are catchy and left me wanting more. This CD has made the cut and is one of the CDs I keep on my desk.
I think Emily Haines is a talented singer and I love to hear her voice. I also find what she has done on some songs to be lyrically innovative and interesting. Anyone can sing the words, but what Emily Haines brings to the table is original, interesting, and just plain fun to listen to.
There are three other people in the band as well. I think they all do a great job. The music may seem a bit simple to some, but that doesn't take away from the final product in any way. It's the emotion and energy that really counts, and Metric delivers.

The new wave revival continues unabated into 2005 and indeed, it seems to be growing more popular still with the profusion of bands flying its flag today, one of its main standard bearers being L.A.'s Metric.

Old World Underground, is in a word, fun. A perfect soundtrack to a night out with your favourite mascara wearing new wave f(r)iends (boys AND girls), it boasts instantly hummable, danceable and memorable dancefloor fillers with enough different styles and ideas in the mix that Metric can never be accused of being a one trick pony.

IOU kicks off proceedings in fine style, a guitar led tune in the vein of Elastica or Sleater-Kinney, the band keeping their full arsenal of keyboard and synth stylings under wraps until later on.

Succexy and Dead Disco are among the best tracks on the album, taking the listener on a hook laden journey through a Saturday night, defying even the most hardened cynic at the corner of the dancefloor not to at least nod along in appreciation. The infectious dance-ability of these tracks must surely bring the band to a much wider audience and while there is much more to be enjoyed on this album these will be the songs that catapult Metric to greater recognition.

Of course there is much more to this album than dancefloor fillers, the blissed out electro-ballad that is Calculation Theme or the beautifully minimalist Love Is The Place being perfect music for the morning after, the former not sounding out of place as a Cardigans album track, the latter using only one guitar and vocals in a My Bloody Valentine wistful-yet-happy manner.

The only point that may rankle with a listener is the running order of the album, which can be a tad stop-start as momentum is never allowed to build. The bouncy, and extremely fun pop sensibilities that comprise half the album can rarely take flight as their more sedate tracks are sandwiched in between, giving the album too many peaks and troughs to be truly appreciated. That said, in an age of MP3 players and CD writers, a quick DIY shuffling of the playlist and voila!, the album can build up, peak and then drift the listener back to earth with a satisfied smile...

Just like the best nights out...

When I first heard IOU over the radio I was totally captivated. Their album is amazing and has catchy tunes, great lyrics, a funky/rock sound and excellent vocals. Definitely get this album and you won't stop listening to it. Also, if you get the chance, catch Metric in concert because they are amazing live.

Awesome group first of all, very original. Pick up the album and see what you think, they are kind of a post-modern indie rock that's got a really techy sound. Check out the following tracks in particular: IOU, Calculation Theme, Succexy, and Hustle Rose. Personally, 4 good tracks out of 10 is pretty good, and the other 6 are decent. 4 stars for 4 good songs!