The MagazineCanada

Metric returns with a bold new album that sharpens the hook driven, synth led approach the band developed with their earlier release Live It Out, while pushing into brighter textures and punchier tempos. The result is an album that carries a brisk, sunlit energy from start to finish, a sound that invites you to lean in and ride the momentum rather than drift along in the background. The instrumentation blends gleaming keyboards with tight guitar lines and percussion that keeps time with a lively swagger, so each track feels both polished and punchy, able to fill a room while still feeling intimate when the vocals come forward. The drums snap with purpose, the bass sits steady under the melodies, and the synth tones shimmer in the margins, creating a layered atmosphere that never overwhelms the core song but rewards repeated listens as new little details reveal themselves. Lyrically the collection tracks urban nights, personal drive, and the push and pull of ambition, trading moments of candor for sly, pointed observations that land with a direct, almost conversation like clarity. The melodies tend to latch on early and refuse to let go, folding into harmonies that lift the chorus to big, memorable peaks without ever feeling contrived, and the keyboard textures are deployed with a sense of confidence that makes the music feel expansive without losing the band’s characteristic immediacy. Some tracks lean into a danceable pulse as guitar lines thread through the synth wash, while others sit a touch more reflective, turning the spotlight on introspection while maintaining a forward, forward-moving current that keeps listeners engaged. The album stands as a statement from a Canadian band that has grown comfortable with their own voice, the sound recalling a mix of pop-friendly hooks and indie rock gravity while avoiding any sense of complacency. For listeners who gravitate toward Stars or Set Yourself On Fire, the energy and brightness of these performances will feel familiar and inviting, delivering a shared sense of connection through bright chords, earnest storytelling, and a rhythm section that thrives on momentum. What makes the experience stand out is how cleanly the elements fit together, with every instrument speaking clearly yet blending into a cohesive whole, so you hear a track and instantly recognize the mood without sacrificing nuance when the verse gives way to the chorus. The production is bright without ever feeling glossy, the arrangements generous without becoming sprawling, and the voice remains the clear guide through the music, delivering lines with a sense of purpose rather than showmanship. In performance, the approach translates into a record that feels equally at home on headphones for a late-night listen and at full volume in a live space, a balance that mirrors the band’s own history of touring and headline moments across North America. The track sequencing ensures a steady drive, with energizing openings laying out the stakes, midalbum moments that catch the breath with a more reflective tone, and crescendos that feel earned rather than manufactured, culminating in a finish that leaves you ready to press play again and chase the adrenaline once more. Critics and fans alike may notice the comfort and clarity with which Metric handles these songs, a sign that the band has refined its signature into something both accessible and substantial, where catchy hooks carry weight and the music remains honest in its ambitions. In the end, the release presents a strong statement about the band’s direction, delivering an album that feels essential for contemporary indie rock fans who want energy, melody, and a sense of shared experience in equal measure, inviting listeners to dive back in and discover new corners with each listen.