CJAM Album Review: Formentera by Metric

Earlier this year, the Toronto-founded band Metric released their eighth studio album under their record label Metric Music International and Thirty Tigers.

Upon my initial listen to this album, I did not enjoy it very much. But I have found that the more I listen to the album, the more I enjoy it. This album still maintains the band’s distinct sound but also manages to sound new and unlike anything the band has done before. It ultimately displays how much the band has grown and truly gotten better with age. This band does a tremendous job building suspense through their music, this is especially evident in songs like ‘Doomscroller,’ ‘All Comes Crashing,’ and ‘Enemies of the Ocean.’

One of the highlights of this album is the bass playing of Joshua Winstead, his ability to work together with Emily Haines took this album to another level.

I interpreted this album as being all about uncertainty and change. The songwriting in this album proves to be very bleak, which is a stark difference from the actual music itself which proves to
be extremely refreshing. I also believe that the vocal range and control displayed throughout this album are fantastic. The way the lead singer switches from singing in a lower register and a
higher register is phenomenal and the rest of the band does a tremendous job of highlighting her voice and not drowning it out.

It is extremely evident that through listening to this album that this band is truly amazing at what they do, and know how to play to their strengths. My favourite songs on the album without a doubt are ‘All Comes Crashing’ and ‘False Dichotomy.’ But the weaker songs on the album are ‘Formentera’ and ‘Oh Please’.’

Overall this album is a fantastic effort from an even more fantastic band. I would easily rate this album an 8 out of 10.