I just don't get it. England's Metronomy has put out one of my favorite albums of the year, and yet the popular Seattle music venue Neumos was only about one-third full this last Tuesday night.
The English Rivera dropped earlier this year
, and the blogging world linguistically frolicked about the peach of an album plus the artists who fathered it. Metronomy was even nominated for the Mercury Prize for album of the year, along with Adele, Katy B, and James Blake, amongst others. One would think that this translates into a greater U.S. fan base, but no (flabbergasting, right?). I will say, however, that those in attendance were intensely devoted followers with unabashed admiration and appreciation for the stellar performance.
But enough complaining... back to the show. Metronomy featured both songs both old and new -- quintessential tracks like "Heartbreaker" and "The Look" -- playing to their albums enough to keep the familiarity alive while adding dancetastic elongated bridges and solos to each song. Abrupt yet fitting track endings characterized their set as they moved through their hour plus of music.
Set to a backdrop of their own gigantic caricatures, mist swirled in between duos of red and green flashing lights. Each band member had a circular light attached to their right side of their chests, choreographed to glow, flash, and blink to the songs (see picture from the show above). Metronomy's attraction beyond the musical talent is their quirky, friendly stage presence and relaxed demeanor with one another. Each member plays instruments and sings, and they have a damn good time just doing what they love.
In conclusion: this is a super-duper-highly-recommended-dancey live show! Seattle was the start of their U.S. tour (dates/locations below), so you've got a chance to get make your own opinion on the wonderfully silly, perfectly talented Metronomy.
11th October "“ Seatle, WA, Neumos
12th October "“ Vancouver, BC, Electric Owl
13th October "“ Portland, OR, Mississippi Studios
14th October "“ San Fransico, CA, Rickshaw Stop
15th October "“ Los Angeles, CA, Troubadour
16th October "“ Costa Mesa, CA, Detroit Bar
18th October "“ San Diego, CA, Voyeur
20th October "“ Brooklyn, NY, Music Hall of Williamsburg "“ CMJ "“ Blue Flowers
21st October "“ Philadelphia, PA, Voyeur "“ Making Time
22nd October "“ Washington, DC, Rock N Roll Hotel
24th October "“ Boston, MA, Brighton Music Hall
27th October "“ Chicago, IL, Lincoln Hall
SIMILAR SONGS
