[ATTENDED: October 11, 2017] Metz
I knew of Metz from NPR, which is kind of funny given the kind of in your face pummeling metal noise that this three-piece from Canada makes.
I was pretty psyched that they were opening for Modest Mouse (not exactly the most logical fit). But I should have learned from the last time I saw Modest Mouse at Starland Ballroom that there would be a huge line outside–I missed a lot of Mimicking Bird’s set last time. This time I missed the opening minute or so of Metz’ set. But it was loud enough that I could hear it from where I was standing.
And when I got onto the floor itself it was plenty loud enough.
So Metz is just three guys: guitarist and vocalist Alex Edkins, bassist Chris Slorach and drummer Hayden Menzies. And boy do they make a lot of noise.
I knew their first two records and had listened to their latest (produced by Steve Albini) a few times. But I never learned song titles so I have no idea what they played.
Suffice it to say that they played loud and hard for some 40 minutes and the crowd loved it. I knew that most of their music was more abrasive than not, so I was surprised at how non-abrasive this live show was. The music was loud and pummeling, sure, but it wasn’t deliberately painful (feedback squalls or just unpleasant noises). In fact, most of their songs had fairly catchy (if fast) choruses.
During the show I kept thinking that the band sounded like they were using the noisiest elements from Nirvana (like “Scentless Apprentice”) as a springboard. Three guys playing loud with lots of distortion and screamed vocals. Realizing that their new album was produced by Albini adds to that connection. But they are not “doing Nirvana” by any means. As I said, it’s more like springboard into new ways of manipulating sound.
I was a little too far back to be able to see much of anything–it was pretty dark on the stage–but it was cool watching them casually blast through these songs.
I don’t know what songs they played. A lot of the songs sound the same in that they have that abrasive pummeling sound and they are not very complicated. And yet, it never once sounded like they were repeating themselves (except in parts of songs where they repeated themselves). Each song brought a new angle to the sonic overload.
When Edkins sang it was another component of the overall sound (I have no idea what he was singing). But I loved that when he wasn’t singing he was super nice to us. “We’re Metz, most of you have probably never heard of us.” “Thanks for letting us play to you.”
I could see Slorach a little better and every once in a while Menzies’ face was visible.
Slorach’s backing vocals were great. But it was the way Menzies pummeled the drums that was most impressive.
I was really psyched that Metz was opening for Modest Mouse. I had imagined what they would be like live and they did not disappoint.
Even Isaac Brock said they were a tough act to follow.
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