Album Review
Metronomy - Small World
4 StarsMetronomy’s most pastoral record.
The latest in a wave of ‘not-a-lockdown-album’ lockdown albums comes courtesy of main Metronomy protagonist, Joe Mount. Befittingly, it’s Metronomy’s most pastoral record for a while, a cap that fits well. In contrast to 2019’s meandering ‘Metronomy Forever’ - a solid set of bangers with perhaps one too many noodling synth interludes - ‘Small World’ is a lean, stripped-back affair. ‘Life and Death’ is a low-key opener, tackling big themes and small pleasures with characteristic optimism and playfulness, to a woozy, laid back piano. ‘Right on Time’ evokes Steely Dan, with its punchy strings, loungey vibe and close harmonies, in turn recalling fellow wonky pop ‘00s survivors, Field Music. Elsewhere, echoes of Badly Drawn Boy on ‘Things Will Be Fine’ deftly tread that line between sentimental and slushy. Porridge Radio’s Dana Margolin does her best Robert Smith on ‘Hold Me Tonight’ - of course a fantastic thing. Joe’s naïve vocal delivery and habitual impression of slightly blagging it belie the dexterity and studied simplicity of his craftsmanship. He hasn’t lost his knack for a great pop hook, as demonstrated by the bubbling synths and snappy 808s on ‘It’s Good To Be Back’. It certainly is.
Read More
Florence + The Machine, Foals and Amyl & the Sniffers swing big at the second year of Málaga’s Cala Mijas
As for Friday headliners The Strokes, it’s a tale of two halves…
4th September 2023, 5:48pm
All The Small Things: Metronomy
New LP "Small World' might mark Metronomy's most pared-back work to date, but as Joe Mount enters his self-proclaimed "phase two', he's feeling more content than ever.
23rd February 2022, 12:00am
Metronomy share ‘Things Will Be Fine’
It’s the second single from their forthcoming seventh album.
12th January 2022, 10:33am
Metronomy to play exclusive album launch show at Pitchfork Music Festival London
They'll be performing at London’s Colour Factory on Thursday 11th November.
28th October 2021, 12:00am
With Bob Vylan, St Vincent, girl in red, Lizzy McAlpine and more.