Review: Metric – Synthetica

Metric

Synthetica

Metric Music International

Metric’s fifth studio album, Synthetica, continues to develop the Canadian band’s distinctive indie sound from their last album, Fantasies, which they released in 2009.

Instrumentally, Metric wisely maintains their pop sound without reliance on a heavy use of effects. The acoustics of Joules Scott-Key’s drums and James Shaw’s guitar creates a strong sense of authority. Songs like “Breathing Underwater” and “Youth Without Youth” have an incredible sound—the former of which represents the best of the album.

Emily Haines’ lyrics take a more introspective turn in Synthetica, focusing heavily on finding a sense of authenticity in the world. Unfortunately, this theme dominates many of the songs including “Synthetica,” “Clone” and “Artificial Nocturne,” providing an obsession with little catharsis.

Synthetica, once again, shows Metric’s ability to create a compelling atmosphere in their music. It doesn’t have the lyrical potency of Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? and Live It Out, but it is still a great entry into Metric’s already stunning discography.