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Apr 23, 2026 Issue #75 - The ’90s Issue Part 2 Featuring Pulp and Suede By Jimi Arundell

Multi-Juno award-winners Metric burst out of the post millennium alt-rock explosion to become one of Canada’s greatest exports. Led by Emily Haines and James Shaw, their combination of anthemic indie sleaze paired with lofi electronica and punkish, rattling guitars draws comparison with other greats Wolf Alice or The Cardigans, whilst occupying an idiosyncratic sound distinctly theirs.

Their 10th album Romanticize the Dive sees them reunite with Gavin Brown, who has previously produced some of their greatest work, reconnecting with the best bits of the past whilst offering the perfect intro to those discovering them for the first time.

Album opener “Victim of Luck” offers a glimpse into the psyche of an artist looking back to the start, questioning what was lost between the time they were playing dive bars to tiny audiences to become an adored indie rock star. Despite some sense of regret, Haines is ready to shake her world weariness, reclaim her identity, and take to the stage once again. It’s a sentiment echoed by “Wild Rut,” with Haines feeling trapped by expectations and the diminishing returns of repetition, seemingly finding relief in the solidarity with her bandmates.

“Moral Compass” has the passion, pathos and quirky charm of a classic ABBA song, “Loyal” bleeps like a lost LCD Soundsystem track, and “Antigravity” is a dazzling contemporary take on New Wave.

Album closer “Leave You on a High” does exactly what it says on the tin, ending on a blissful fadeout with a greater euphoric afterglow than any drug could offer. It’s the bittersweet parting of lovers, and the promise of better things to come.

It may have been some time since Metric have enjoyed both the critical acclaim and commercial success of their earlier work, including the platinum-selling titles Live It Out, Fantasies, and Synthetica. But Romanticize the Dive is a love letter to old fans and new listeners alike, revealing a band still eager to impress and gushing with great ideas. Don’t call it a comeback, this is a reaffirmation record proving the synth-pop indie rockers are as vital as ever. (www.ilovemetric.com)

Author rating: 8/10