Metric
The road to success can often be long and arduous. Singer Emily Haines linked with guitarist James Shaw in '95. The two bounced from Toronto to New York, Montreal, London and Los Angeles. Along the way they picked up drummer Joules Scott-Key. Bassist Josh Winstead signed on in '02.
Finally, Metric earned a recording deal and the group hit the studio. "Grow Up and Blow Away" was finished but Metric's label couldn't work up the enthusiasm to release it. So Metric moved on and released "Old World Underground, Where Are You" with "Dead Disco" in '03. They then hit the road supporting another retro-oriented group, Hot Hot Heat.
Like several bands, Metric uses the '80s as a touchstone. One of the premier cuts on "Old World Underground, Where Are You" is "Dead Disco" which could pass for a Berlin track. Banking on the '80s synth-Wave sound "Wet Blanket" and melodic Rocker "Combat Baby" are the highlights. The latter features lean verses and an irresistible drive.