MATT CHEETHAM
Arts Writer

Currently on tour promoting their recent album Fantasies, Metric stopped by the Odeon Oct. 28 to shower fans with sounds of indie rock, showcasing the band’s high energy.

Metric, which has been together for 11 years, has no thoughts of slowing down as they have been touring consistently in North America and Europe and just released a new album in April.

Fantasies, the band’s fourth album, has been continuing in the band’s tradition of soft melodic tones and beats, coated by a hard rock edge. Reception of the album has been favourable as it has done well both in Canada and abroad, landing on the U.S. Billboard 200 list.

Metric hit the stage at the Odeon to a sold out crowd who, while very chilled and relaxed, were ready for a good show, which the band thoroughly delivered.

Front-women and vocalist Emily Haines brings a great energy; it really carries through on stage. Her melodic voice and high energy set the tone for the evening as she kept people entranced from song to song, switching from rock to pop effortlessly. Haines at one point switched to her keyboard while singing and jammed out some tunes as the rest of the band provided accompaniment, which left the audience in musical wonderment.

The atmosphere during all this was low key and tranquil. The audience both swayed and rocked depending on the different beats but were utterly relaxed and calm under the band’s cool and collected demeanor.

Metric brought their vast variety of songs from such favorites as “Empty,” “Monster Hospital,” “Combat Baby,” “Calculation” to new songs such as “Help I’m Alive” “Satellite Mind” and “Gold Guns Girl.” The songs flowed really well, presenting the band’s ability to have soft melodic sparkles intertwined with a high rock base. The crowd seemed to be in agreement, going from relatively low key songs such as “Grow Up and Blow Away” to “Empty” without missing a beat.

Metric charged the Odeon with an electric and soft low key energy that made the crowd light up with not only anticipation but also enjoyment. The only real complaint was that show felt too short. With only one act, Metric started relatively early and played for an hour and a half. The show was dazzling with much high energy, but it was over too quickly. Metric has captured Saskatoon’s heart and will hopefully do so again many more times in years to come.

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photo: Robby Davis