More about: Metz

Atlas Vending is the fourth album from Toronto trio Metz. With a more cavernous sound than previous albums, the fourth full-length from Toronto trio Metz is not a significant break from a track record of noise rock. 

There’s no space for humour or wry political observation on this bleak and angry tirade against the world. That said, the band does show a small glimpse of a sense of humour in the video to the closing track of the album 'A Boat to Drown In'. In it, a woman has a whirlwind romance with a giant teddy bear. Don't get ahead of yourself though: the romance is doomed to failure.

Although the album’s themes seem mainly personal - dealing with anxiety, depression and failed relationships - some political and societal issues lie beneath the surface. Giant teddy bear notwithstanding, 'A Boat to Drown In' brings to mind the migrant boat crises and eloquently expresses - in both words and noise - some of the sheer terror and fear that might be felt by refugees.

The album artwork might also signal similar issues: carrying a disquieting monochrome image of the gnarled fingers of a faceless figure gripping a wooden structure covered in a rag. It brings to mind stories of refugee camps, of grinding poverty and hopelessness. But the figure’s head is angled upwards, as if looking to the skies with hope. For listeners who want to dig deeper into the themes, the album’s lyrics are worth seeking out as they tell a compelling story and paint a vivid picture of personal conflict and demons.

The album’s opener 'Pulse' starts with a thunderous pulsating bass drum, which is layered over by discordant guitars and industrial thuds. You’re alive, it says, still. The rhythm guitar clangs repetitively like an alarm clock waking us up to a day when something not very nice is going to happen - a day in court or a visit from the bailiffs.

Standout track 'The Mirror' seems to question our vacuous relationship with our screens, asking “When it’s gone, what becomes of you?” A manic howling guitar riff seems to mock us for being so addicted to the glow of our modern devices.

Guitarist and vocalist Alex Edkins doesn’t do shredding solos but some of his guitar work on songs like 'Sugar Pill' provides some light in an otherwise dark universe. 'Hail Taxi', one of three tracks trailed on the streaming services, gives us a glimpse of harmonious daylight and for a moment sounds like something you might hear on Radio 2 - only for the curtains to be drawn tightly closed again as noisy discordance once again takes over.

Atlas Vending arrives 9 October via Sub Pop Records. See the band play the album in full live and streamed from the Opera House in hometown Toronto on October 17 at 8pm UK time. You can buy tickets to the event here. 

More about: Metz