Fresh on a 2016 tour, Metric is stopping in Madison to “bring the rock.” With the release of their sixth album last year, Pagans in Vegas, they’re ready to share their latest work with their fans.
Metric is no stranger to musical versatility. Along with Emily Haines’ vocals, James Shaw’s guitar, Joshua Winstead’s bass and Joules Scott-Key’s drums, they frequently, if not always, include synthesizers, tambourines, harmonica and piano.
The four band members officially came together in New York in the late ’90s when they took refuge in a loft that also housed members of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Liars and TV on the Radio. Haines said since then, Metric has moved to Los Angeles where they’ve been ever since.
The group’s music has evolved and become a singular sound for the past 15 years. It falls somewhere in between electronic music, rock, synthpop and more, but Metric is determined to not be confined to a certain genre.
“I’d say we’re defined by the narrative that goes back to the punk rock records that we grew up listening to,” Haines said. “And the sort of feeling that there needs to be a representation of individuality out there that we don’t really see anyone else doing.”
Haines said they always want to bring something new to their fans because “that’s what it’s all about” — and since they aren’t held back by a label, Metric is free to experiment with their music.
Metric has treated every album like a project, and with Pagans In Vegas, it’s clear how much it differs from their previous work. They took a step back to the past with this album in hopes of recording it the way electronic music would have been — without the aid of computers.
“It sounds like a throwback,” Haines said. “It’s much like a geeky sonic experiment.”
The band is already working on their next project, though they’re in no rush to complete it this year. In terms of sound, Metric is attempting something on the other end of the spectrum compared to Pagans in Vegas. Haines announced their intention to incorporate live instruments and heavier piano for a “more cinematic” and “atmospheric” sound.
Metric’s shows are essential to their art form. Their goal is to make their live shows the ultimate experience.
“The whole heart and sole purpose of this band is the live show,” Haines said. “It encompasses the music we’ve been making.”
Metric will be performing at the Orpheum Saturday. Having performed there before, Metric is familiar with the good Madtown vibes.
“You guys have a good thing going in your town,” Haines said. “I feel like people are very engaged and like thinking about bigger things, and it’s a cool thing. We always like to come through.”
