Metric - Empty
[Drowned In Sound Records]

Fresh off a tour supporting Bloc Party on their UK rounds, Toronto quartet Metric have lifted fan favourite Empty off their 2006 Live It Out album as a single this week. Those familiar with the oufit will undoubtedly agree the song served as one of many highlights from last year's album and those new to the group, are surely in for a real treat.

Taking a post-rock aesthetic of the usual quiet-loud-quiet blueprint, Empty starts with gentle meandering ambience and plucked guitars, before frontwoman Emily Haines whispers a gentle, sugary vocal atop of the subtle backing. After the delicate intro comes a crashing crescendo of powerful guitars and an alluring mantra-like chorus of "shake your head, it's empty".

The single is a slow-burning grower, a track that begins with almost nothing to build into a fierce blast of noise that uncovers a clear influence of trashy punk rock. With Empty, Metric have not written the 2-minute instantly catchy single we seem to be inundated with recently. The band have written a broody, building classic that improves with each listen.

Track Listing:

A. Empty
B. The Police And The Private (Howie B Remix)