Metric Beat It Like a Hammer in Montreal

Metric is a very nomadic band with several places that they've called home during their career. Tonight, they returned to one that's close to heart for lead singer Emily Haines as they rocked out at Metropolis in Montreal. Opening for the band, was another great local band; The Stills.

 

The Stills

Going into the concert, I had no idea who would serve as an opening act for Metric and I was delightfully surprised to see The Stills take stage as I entered the venue. While The Stills aren't as renown as Metric (yet), they still have a strong following here in Montreal. Despite the short 45 minute set, its very apparent that The Stills have what it takes to become a very successful headlining band. They delivered a very solid performance and the crowd ate up every moment of it. They did lose a bit of steam towards the end though it was mostly due to their heavier songs being placed early on in the setlist.

Metric

Metric began strong with two songs off their 2009 album, Fantasies; Twilight Galaxy and Help I'm Alive. The Montreal crowd was not shy to profess their love for the band. They sang along and shaked their fists like a hammer mimicking Emily's movements during Help I'm Alive. Metric maintained their momentum as they shifted between older and newer songs from their catalog. Empty, Give Me Sympathy and Sick Muse generated the loudest cheers of the night.

The encore was short and sweet. It consisted of Monster Hospital and an acoustic version of Combat Baby with Emily singing and James Shaw on guitar. Emily got very emotional before Combat Baby informing the crowd that she was a bit overwhelmed to be performing in Montreal and that she used to live just down the street on St-Laurent.

Overall, the entire show was excellent and one of the better concerts that I've attended this year. Stating that Emily Haines has a strong stage presence would be a major understatement. With her powerful vocals and eccentric dance moves, Emily makes you forget that she has another three talented band members sharing that stage. If you live in Montreal and missed out on the concert, don't worry -- tonight's show was added as an addition to tomorrow's which sold out almost instantly. If you're in the area tomorrow (Saturday), head down to Metropolis pick up a ticket from a scalper and enjoy the show, you won't regret it.

Who would you rather be? The Beatles or the Rolling Stones?

Help, I'm Alive (Acoustic)

 

Twilight Galaxy

 

Empty