ALBUM REVIEW: “Synthetica” by Metric

Metric
Synthetica
[Metric Music International/Mom+Pop]

It’s hard to believe that Metric is already on their fifth album. Lead singer Emily Haines said earlier this year of the album “Synthetica is about staying home and wanting to crawl out of your skin from the lack of external stimulation…about forcing yourself to confront what you see in the mirror when you finally stand still long enough to catch a reflection…about being able to identify the original in a long line of reproductions. It’s about what is real vs. what is artificial.”

From the getgo, Haines makes this statement valid. “I’m just as fucked up as they say” is the first thing you’ll hear on the opening track, “Artificial Nocturne,” a seemingly timid ballad that contains pearls of wisdom like “I make all that I believe,” and “I set myself free.” About 2 minutes in Metric climbs out of what could be a dark and depressing record back into their usual heavy rhythms, dirty synthesizers, and hook filled guitar lines.

As with every Metric record, it’s Haines’ vocals and lyrics that elevate the music from just another industrial sounding band to something you may hear on the radio. Standout tracks include “Breathing Underwater,” “Lost Kitten,” and “Synthetica.” This is definitely the record you’ve been waiting for if you need some new tunes to take on the morning jog or out to the gym with you. It’s fierce, it’s poppy, and as hard as the music hits, it’s still easy listening.