METRIC play Sugar Beach Monday (June 11), and the Opera House Tuesday (June 12). Rating: NNNN
It was a little worrying when news broke that Lou Reed would make a cameo on the new Metric album. We love the guy, but his recent track record when it comes to collaborations is poor, and we’re not just referring to that bewildering Loutallica mess. Thankfully, his duet with Emily Haines is pretty good, restoring our faith in the punk pioneer. As decent as it is, though, it’s actually one of the weaker songs on a very strong album from the Canadian rock band.
Synthetica probably won’t change the mind of Metric haters, but it’s hard to imagine what would. Metric seem increasingly comfortable with being a genuine pop band, and the further they get from their indie roots, the better they sound. Their combination of new wave coldness and glam rock glitter is a formula that works well, and Haines has a genuine talent for walking the line between tough-girl swagger and fragility.
Top track: Lost Kitten
