Review: Metz bring a set of well-rehearsed spontaneity to the Hare & Hounds
- Metz brought their loud, scuzz rock to Birmingham on Friday October 30th 2015
- A Mummified Sunshine Frisbee Laserbeam and Joy Division channeling Crows provided support
The Hare & Hounds is a venue with a community feel, a couple of small upstairs live rooms, dimly lit with a kindred spirit crowd that appreciate the unity of live music, particularly those artists not known by the masses of popular society. With it being Halloween weekend, it made sense that some sort of fancy dress would make an appearance, this came in the form of the first support band, the Birmingham based, Sunshine Frisbee Laserbeam.
Sunshine Frisbee Laserbeam
Adorned in mummified bandages and projecting an energy of youthfulness, the physical presence of the band fitted the evening perfectly. They kicked the night off with their set of fuzzy, yet approachable and upbeat songs, setting the mood in the right direction for the rest of the evening. The band seemed to be enjoying every minute that they were on the stage and, given that they were supporting Metz, it really is no surprise.
Crows
Next up were Crows and its safe to say that the energy level continued to a new height with the lead singer pulling off some pretty intense microphone grabbing moves, and a vocal style reminiscent of Ian Curtis. The overall sound being one that Joy Division would probably be proud of. Throughout the set the energy level from the band remained steady, although the audience themselves seemed more focused on the imminent arrival of the main act to follow, rather than appreciating Crows, who were clearly giving it their all. It was good to witness a band that attempted to make the audience a working part of the bands overall experience, particularly when the vocalist joined the crowd towards the end of the set.
Crows
The song ‘Pray’, was clearly the most appreciated by the audience, with its catchy rhythm and lyrics describing some sort of distorted demon, it is inevitable that this would go down well. The set as a whole sounded very familiar, although it would be near impossible in this day and age to not expect a band to be influenced and possibly mimic, albeit unintentionally, the style of other artists. The main attraction of watching Crows was definitely the level of enthusiasm that they projected, along with the vocalists talent of switching between two microphones whilst remaining in a well structured unison with the rest of the band.
Metz
By the time the two supports had finished, the expectations for the performance from Metz was undoubtedly high and I’m happy to say they did not disappoint. The general instruction from the band was that they wanted the audience to enjoy it and have fun, and I seriously doubt there was anyone in the crowd that did not obey this instruction from start to finish. From the opening of the first song, ‘Headache’, track one from the self titled debut album, the talent of the band was undoubtedly obvious, in a way that pent up angst and frustration can be twisted into rough edged, feedback filled, stress releasing, musical heaviness. The fact that the whole set sounded completely spontaneous and off the cuff, yet in reality, was clearly well rehearsed, is a talent in itself that not many artists are able to succeed with. All aspects, from the abrasive, raw, frustrated screech of Alex Edkins, to the pounding, ill-tempered drumbeat, resulted in a fluid, primal and angst ridden performance that easily reached and exceeded the expectations of the crowd. It is clear to see why Metz are so well suited to the Subpop label, given the history of endless anti-establishment, fuzz laden bands that adorn its impressive back catalogue.
Metz
With the band now on their second album, II, it is a pleasure to listen to the same level of live ferocity that was so evident and refreshing on the first album. Their style has stayed faithful to its original form and toning down the various elements to become more appealing to a wider audience has thankfully, not occurred. If anything, the live experience of hearing ‘Acetate’, I.O.U’ and ‘Nervous System’ resulted in a much darker and heavier sound than songs such as, ‘Headache’ and ‘Get Off’ from the predecessor. It is safe to say they captivated the audience from the start, with the level of intensity that they blasted from the stage it would be impossible for anyone to not pay attention.
Metz
Overall, Metz are a band that are real, there is no pretentiousness, no need to change their way in order to please. The live experience fully lived up to what was expected; a loud, ferocious sound that inevitably makes everyone that appreciates them excited about what they are going to release next. As a band, they prove that the back to basics approach of a heavy, fuzzed up trio remains a powerful weapon and a set that screams of well rehearsed spontaneity is talent they should be proud of.
Photographs by Paul Reynolds
View the full set here.
English and Media Studies graduate, frequent traveler, vinyl and vintage enthusiast….fan of delta blues, folk, 60s/70s rock, psychedelia and the many gaps in between. Favourite artists include Wooden Shjips, Radio Moscow, All Them Witches and too many others to mention.