By any Metric, a superb album (NSFW)

Source: greenobles.com

I have been eagerly awaiting Metric’s newest album entitled Synthetica ever since their previous release Fantasies came out.  Fantasies was clearly one of the best alternative/indie rock releases of the first decade of the 21st century. The foursome from Toronto, Ontario, Canada does not disappoint with Synthetica.

The very first song, “Artificial Nocturne” knocks your socks right off (particularly at the two-minute mark) and propels the listener into Emily Haines’ world of superb songwriting. I believe this is the first record I have ever bought where the “F-word” is used in the very first line, of the very first verse, of the very first song. But, do not take that as a harbinger of things to come. the lyrics are beautiful, thoughtful, and masterful throughout the record.

Each of the 11 tracks has its own flavor and many touch on important social issues. None more so that the first single, entitled “Youth Without Youth.” Not sure what my favorite track is yet, but I know I really like “Artificial Nocturne,” “Breathing Underwater,” “Clone,” and “Youth Without Youth.” Here is the track list:

• ‘Artificial Nocturne’
• ‘Youth Without Youth’
• ‘Speed The Collapse’
• ‘Breathing Underwater’
• ‘Dreams So Real’
• ‘Lost Kitten’
• ‘The Void’
• ‘Synthetica’
• ‘Clone’
• ‘The Wanderlust’
• ‘Nothing But Time’

Here’s a great acoustic version of “Breathing Underwater:”

The only relatively minor quibbles I have about Synthetica are:

• There is somewhat less musical sound variety compared to Fantasies.
• Too few Jimmy Shaw guitar riffs.
• Difficulty reading lyrics in the liner notes, even with the mirror.

Source: hitfix.com

Two things I know for sure. I am glad I bought my tickets early for Metric’s show in Detroit this coming September and, I cannot wait to see the show. It is gonna be fun!