METZ II
Sub Pop Records
Punk rock is not supposed to be pretty. What punk rock is
and is not is always up for debate, but most would likely agree that the genre
should energize as well as inspire. The Toronto, Ontario, Canada trio METZ
magnificently execute both of those ideals on their somewhat eponymous
sophomore record METZ II. METZ are
following their self-titled highly acclaimed first record that was filled with
noisy Albini-inspired punk rock filled with destructive almost nihilistic
lyrics. Their first record drew a lot of fair comparisons to acts like the
Jesus Lizard or even Nirvana’s noisier tracks. METZ does not change up the
formula all that much compared to the first record, but the group still managed
to put out a ferociously acceptable follow-up.
The first noticeable thing about this album is the
production. The album incorporates the raw almost live performance recording
style that Steve Albini popularized which works for METZ about as well as it
could work for any band. The group sounds raw yet tight and structured. The
sound does an excellent job of foreshadowing a live performance by METZ which
is a dynamic almost overwhelming experience and is sure to stay that way as
they tour on METZ II. The piercing
growl of lead singer Alex Edkins is on full display right from the opening
track “Acetate” and never slows down on this 30 minute recording. “Acetate”
which also is the lead single for this record comes equipped with monstrous
guitar riffs coupled with Chris Slorach’s crunchy and textured bass. Both
instruments match every strum with a drenching amount of feedback and
reverberation that never give the listener a moment of peace. This track also
includes a segment of Macarena that add a bit of depth and groove unexpected
from METZ. “Acetate” proves a wider range of instrumentation could be something
METZ can implement in the future to heightened success much like the way Iceage
did with last year’s Plowing Into the
Field of Love. The track is a preview for the urgent pace METZ is about to
set for the rest of the album.
“Acetate” is followed by “The Swimmer” which has a slight
resemblance to “Negative Creep” by Nirvana. The track is fueled by fast paced
drums, break neck guitar, and Edkins howling, “You let me drown.” The third
track on this album, “Spit You Out”, encompasses everything I hope to hear from
METZ. Pulverizing guitars, a vocal cord shredding delivery from Alex Edkins,
and a ripping guitar solo that uses some excellent echo and feedback pedal
work. METZ even harmonizes on this track nicely and really shows off how
cohesive and big they can be as a trio. The track’s noisy atmosphere leads to a
song that you just have to unwind with because it is relatively unpredictable
on first listen. This track could be plugged in anywhere on Bleach or Goat and be right at home.
Unfortunately after “Zzyzx” which is an interlude of noise
and vocal over dub the band seems to run out of ideas although their stamina
remains unwaivered. The tracks begin to bleed into each other a bit too
closely. All of these tracks keep the same big riffs and reverberated bass, but
distinguishability starts to become an issue. There are still some great sounds
to explore on the second half of the record like another moment of pleasant
vocal harmony on “Wait in Line” as well as probably the most impressive guitar
solo I’ve heard from the band on “Eyes Peeled.” Punk bands seem apprehensive
about sticking a guitar solo within their aggressive and swift songs perhaps at
the risk of sounding too conventional, but METZ implements them seamlessly
although infrequently. The album’s last track “Kicking a can of Worms” is a
fitting closing track that fades with the apropos texture-heavy wall of
feedback.
This is a can’t miss 2015 punk rock and noise rock record
that should please fans of both of those genres. METZ create a really enjoyable
rock record that effectively captures their huge sound and unhinged live
performance. While the band is hardly trendsetting with METZ II they are proving they can make this style of album as well
as anyone currently can. METZ are undoubtedly a dangerously abrasive force to
be reckoned with.
7.5/10
-
Tom K.
4/28/2015
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