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Metric fight the winter blues with a feel good vibe

Metric are the kind of band you have to describe with the word “Art” or even “Retro”. They provide a melange of Pop/ Synth Rock so diverse that even HMV would struggle to find its genre. “Combat Baby” is a quirky, chirpy number, the main ingredient of this candy punk are a bouncy repetitive synth tune, with sugary female vocals from singer/ synth player Emily Haines sprinkled liberally over to top. It’s catchy as a dose of the winter flu, but reminiscent of feel good songs on lazy summer days.

As a single it retains individuality, but by the time the next offering; "Hustle Rose" begins you may be feeling a little sick and wanting something new, especially after the first minute of ever so slightly too girlie and repetitive lyrics, comprising mostly of repetition of the phrase “Now that your wallet is all lit up.” Thankfully this song has a gorgeous off key transition and thoughtful lyrical filling and a pinch of grungy guitar to keep it moving once you’ve passed the intro. There’s something adorably kitsch about lyrics such as, “Do lawyers have lawyers? Do landlords have landlords?” which form the buzzing chorus of “The List”.

Metric are Adorable, Retro, Arty and any other offbeat words you care to throw at them, but with the vital component of originality.