Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? by Metric

Metric - Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? (2003)

The first song I heard by Metric was actually 'Black Sheep' from the Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World OST. Well, I liked the song in the movie enough to check it out after watching it. Anyway.

Metric can be generally considered an indie band, but I found their debut to be a little more like electronic rock. There's the occasional electronic-only track like 'Calculation Theme', but overall I think Old World Underground is a very accessible album that inducts you into the wonderful world of Metric. Combining guitar feedback and dreamy synth, they create a sound of their own that does have indie inclinations. Their lyrics are sometimes alliterative and very fun to song along to as they just roll off your tongue. Unfortunately, I cannot sing like Emily Haines, so I will keep my warbling to myself.

A track I've found myself listening to more often than the rest is 'Hustle Rose'.



I like how Haines' voice is somewhat mercurial. She can sing lower notes like in the opening track 'IOU', but in this song her dulcet tones kick in. Backed by the accompanying keyboards, this is one of the songs I sing along too, causing widespread second-hand embarrassment to everyone in the world.

7.3/10

Verses of Comfort, Assurance & Salvation by Au Revoir Simone

Au Revoir Simone - Verses of Comfort, Assurance & Salvation (2006)


Let me preface this review with a confession: I started listening to Au Revoir Simone's second album instead of their debut when I first heard about them back in 2007. Hence, my impression of them has already been formed, and it's based on their second release. That said, I still still try to review this album as objectively as I can. (I hope this paragraph has made at least a small amount of sense.)

This debut is a solid introduction to the creative forces that make up Au Revoir Simone. Simple melodies that are made up of layers of synth and keyboards, and backed by a drum machine. The vocals are earnest and the lyrics are of the subtle, imagery-inducing variety. All in all, it's a rather good first album from three girls who originally jammed together for fun, before they decided to set their dreams in concrete.

It's a good launching pad for their careers, and they've established themselves as the electronic equivalent of a warm, fluffy blanket on a cold rainy night. There's a bittersweet tinge to their music, although the warm golden sunshine will eventually filter through the thin film of darkness.

Here is "Back In Time". I didn't choose my favorite, "Stay Golden", because I think this song is a better example of the layers of keyboards over a drum machine. It's like a little capsule of happiness with a dash of melancholy.

7/10