Metric Visit Kelowna

Famed Canadian indie-rock band, Metric, is a band deserving of the acclaim it regularly receives. Since the band was established way back in 1998, Metric have treated listeners to an array of sonic adventures and dazzled audiences at countless concerts around the world. In the past fourteen years, they’ve released five full-length albums, won JUNO Awards, and have even been nominated for a Grammy. Their most recent record, SYNTHETICA, which was released this past summer, went straight in at number twelve on the Billboard 200 chart! Not only that, but the album prior to SYNTHETICA, Fantasies, sold over half a million copies. What is perhaps more remarkable about Metric's success is the fact that it has come on the back of a long-term commitment to independent labels. Metric was originally signed to Last Gang Records, actually Metric were the reason the label were started, however, the band have since gone their own way and started their own record label called, Metric Music International. As the name suggests, it is a label dedicated to one act, Metric.

Emily Haines of Metric (Photo by Valaura Vedan)

Metric are currently on a massive tour. It's a tour that sees them play in arenas across the nation, and play at venues around the world. On November 12^th, they visited us here in Kelowna, and they put on a great performance that thrilled those that were present at Prospera Place. Their performance featured many well-loved Metric songs, from songs like Monster Hospital, Help I’m Alive and Gold Guns Girls to more recent songs like Breathing Underwater. In fact, I'm sat with a copy of their set-list from the show as I write this, and it reads like the back cover of what could be a Metric 'Greatest Hits' album! Needless to say, the set-list for their performance was stellar and it surely pleased many a fan in the audience. This combined with the actual quality of the band’s performance and the energy that they emit, particularly lead singer, Emily Haines, ensured that it was a thoroughly enjoyable show.

Metric, Performing for the crowd in Kelowna (Photo by Valaura Vedan)


Emily Haines, taking some time to chat with the crowd (Photo by Valaura Vedan)

Unfortunately, the concert was only modestly attended. Prospera Place should have been full for this exalted Canadian band, but it wasn’t. In fact, there were row upon row of empty seats. It was difficult not to feel underwhelmed by the sparse crowd. Perhaps the fact that the show was on a holiday Monday had a hand to play in the modest turnout, or maybe it was because we, lamentably, do not have a radio station in town that consistently plays Metric’s music. Whatever the reason, there's no escaping the fact that the attendance was disappointing. Hopefully, it does not deter Metric or other artists from visiting our city in the future. Our arts scene benefits greatly from the visit of artists like Metric.

Stars (Photo by Valaura Vedan)

Disappointing turnout aside, those that were in attendance were treated to a night of great music. The crowd were warmed up by Toronto indie-pop act, Stars. Stars are a talented band and they demonstrated this as they got the evening's musical festivities underway. They informed the audience that they would be back in Kelowna in the future to headline a tour of their own, so keep an eye on their website for upcoming news of that. I enjoyed their set and I was especially happy when they referenced The Smiths, my favourite band, and followed it up by playing their excellent song, Take me to the Riot. Metric then emerged to give their performance, and it was one full of energy and verve, as Emily Haines enthusiastically moved about the stage. Adding to the energetic feel, the band were backed by a dazzlingly slick light show. As I left Prospera Place and ventured into the nighttime air, I couldn't escape the feeling that the concert seemed shorter in length than I had anticipated. Now, whether that feeling was borne out of the energy of Metric, the fact that I was having so much fun, or because Metric rattled through their songs at a fast pace, I do not know. However, I do know that despite Metric playing a full-length set, I was left wanting more in the most positive way imaginable.

You can find Stars online on Facebook, Twitter or by visiting their website.

You can find Metric online on Facebook, Twitter or by visiting their website.

Do you want to contact Vince? E-mail him at: vince@welcometokelowna.com or connect with him on Twitter or LinkedIn. You can also hear Vince play some of Canada's best indie music from emerging artists every Wednesday on the Music City Podcast.