The explosion of Metric in today’s pop culture scene is a very strong way to introduce their latest tour around the US and pack the crowds in. They have had multiple songs on this seasons’ Grey’s Anatomy and on the horror-comedy Zombieland. But the crowds that showed at last night’s show at the Palladium Showroom seemed to be far more familiar with the band than from just watching TV.
The group has four albums out, Fantasies being the newest, which came out last April. Their sound relies heavily on many electronic instruments including a synthesizer, theremin and electric guitar. Emily Haines is rightfully the front woman, lending her lyrics for most of their albums and playing some sort of instrument at all times. Metric has been together since 2001, which shows in their live sets. They play off of each other and seem to be having their own show onstage while playing in unison.
Band of Skulls opened the night. Their sound is nothing like Metric and really doesn’t merge naturally, but the crowds seemed to love them. They resemble the White Stripes and The Dead Weather with the heavy guitar work and simple instruments (only 1 guitar, 1 bass and drums). They’re only album, Baby Darling Doll Face Honey will be my next music purchase for sure.
Metric took their time coming onstage, so their anticipated appearance was more than appreciated. They sang one of their current hits “Help I’m Alive” early in the set, erupting dance parties all around. Haines isn’t personable with the crowd in the sense of greetings or conversation, instead she breaks away from her keyboard to dance as close to the fans as possible with tambourine in hand. Her pure bliss while performing is all over her face. It also shows when she head bangs while playing the keyboard, which she did continuously all night. She was born to do this. There isn’t much interaction between her and the other band members, but as I said earlier they create a good show by performing their separate acts while coming together.
Many songs were recognized and sang by the audience including “Satellite Minds,” “Gimme Sympathy,” and “Stadium Love.” Haines’ message was all about how strong rock and roll is and that it’s not going anywhere. She gracefully thanked the crowds for knowing what true rock and roll is (they proved this by being at the show).
The set list was accurately built with intertwining loud and hard songs followed by acoustically calm tracks. Haines proved she is the rock star she is said to be. My only wish is that they would tour more.
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