After releasing two solo recordings (Knives Don't Have Your Back and What Is Free To A Good Home?) in the past 12 months, Emily Haines is back on the road again - this time, with her Metric compadres. Metric's first date in the States brought them to Philadelphia (the "City of Inappropriate Moshing") where they debuted several new songs from their supposed forthcoming album. A young and eager audience packed The Trocadero, ready to crowd surf (off a cliff) and declare their love for Emily. Fanboys and fangirls alike grabbed at Emily's (smokin' hot) legs every time she approached the edge of the stage, while waves of latecomers bullied their way toward the stage... it was chaos. The crowd flipped out over Live It Out and Old World Underground favorites like "Poster of Girl," "Dead Disco," "Combat Baby," and "Handshakes." However, a poorly thought out set list, which introduced way too much unfamiliar material at once, quickly (and frequently) killed the crowd buzz. There was one plus-side to that, though... at least it temporarily gave people a break from the moshing jackasses who must've thought they were at a Henry Rollins show.

The new songs, which accounted for roughly half the set, didn't seem to fit appropriately with the tone set by their older material - too tame and not enough hooks. On first listen, some of the new material seemed like it could be promising. I did think one of the songs sounded rather dull, though; I don't recall the name of it, but the chorus repeats "would you rather be The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?" From the reaction of the crowd, it appeared they didn't want to be either.

For the encore, Metric finally gave the crowd what they wanted with "Monster Hospital," after which they closed the night with "Stadium Love" - perhaps their best new song. The audience tried to work a second encore, but to no avail. Noticeably missing from their set: the poignant and very relevant "Succexy" - definitely a disappointment. I'd come to expect much more from Metric's live show, after seeing Emily put on a spectacular solo performance at the beginning of the year. Disappointment seemed to be the theme of the evening. Metric is still an exciting live act and Emily is still the object of many an indie-boy/girls' crush; however, they seem to be trading in their edginess and sexuality (i.e., "sweaty fucking music") in favor of becoming more accessible.

Opening for Metric was fellow Canadian act Crystal Castles, whose music can be described as thrash chiptune... they're one of those bands that you know immediately if you love 'em or hate 'em. They played a seizure-inducing set that was much too short. It was fun while it lasted, but they'd be better suited to playing smaller venues.

--Photo and review by Oliver Lopena.

More photos here.