Metric : Minneapolis, MN

Metric Ascot Room, Quest Club October 22, 2005 Saturday’s Metric show in the curious Ascot Room turned out the crowd I complained about staying home exactly a week ago. An amalgamation of emo-d out geeks, gay couples, chick rockers and yuppies bounced along as the group ran through the set of tracks from 2003’s Old World Underground and the new Live It Out. Ranging from coy teasing winks and full on headbanging, singer Emily Haines guided the crowd on a chick rock run through L.A. on those uppers you can buy at truck stops. The crowd loved it, and Haines played up the spotlight like the rockstar she is. Metric is definitely ready to play bigger venues, and the crowd that turned out are proof. Opening for Metric was Most Serene Republic, a Canadian group from Arts & Crafts with a set full of heart, featuring songs within songs, handclaps, keyboard craziness and layered everything. Young guys with their first album, first tour, but a maturity that exploded on stage. Drummer Adam Nimmo is one of the best drummers to play Minneapolis this year, and MSR allow him to shine with solos, improv and even an impromptu ladder dive into the toms. After the set, singer Adrian Jewett told me the group will be back in the states again soon opening for Broken Social Scene, and I highly suggest you check them out. ----- Download Live It Out here: