METZ - METZ

Any up and coming act signed to Sub-pop is subject to a whole variety of comparisons; and rightly so given the label’s history in championing the alternative and rock scene. They’re responsible for the rises of Nirvana and Sonic Youth as well as giving fresh life to the public profile of Beach House, releasing the hugely acclaimed Teen Dream back in 2010. Of course, not everything they touch turns to gold, but the majority of their back catalogue has its own cult following (even The Go! Team have somehow achieved popularity with their god awful dross). So when they signed Toronto rock outfit METZ, the hype built and now we've got a debut record. People will want to compare it to old Nirvana, but they shouldn't because in a time in which everything is a condensed and refined version of the past, METZ have managed to find a sound that takes what’s out there and makes it feel fresh and invigorating in a very rock styled way.

It’s got a DIY sound because it was produced in a barn, but at the same time, everything sounds exactly the way it should; the work of Holy Fuck’s Graham Walsh and Alexander Bonenfant. It’s got the kind of sound that you will almost never hear on the radio but at the same time, tracks like Wet Blanket that come in at just under 4 minutes long that don’t seem a far cry from the kind of rock that’s slowly creeping its way back onto the airwaves. Add the bombastic opening track Headache and the likes of Wasted into that mix and you've got a record not just rooted in rock and influences from old punk, but with the structure and stylings of pop.

Its no coincidence that they’re branded as noise-pop at all because at the speed this album hits you and the reputation they’re building as they tear up venues across both sides of the Atlantic, they could very easily be one of the most popular noisy bands around in no time whatsoever. They've already had queues of two hundred plus outside the Old Blue Last in London and with more shows scheduled to be added in Europe soon, they’ll only continue to live up to the hype. The only danger they’re in is that with one record built primarily of tracks under the 3:30 mark, there’s simply not enough to satisfy the ravenous demand.
8.4


Braden Fletcher

Dum Dum Girls - Always Looking

Say hello to the scuzzy bedroom rock of girl band Dum Dum Girls. But then again you probably already have done. 2011 has not been a bad year for Dee Dee, Jules, Sandy and Bambi, with the release of their ‘He Gets Me High’ EP (which made our top EPs of 2011 list and featured the best cover of a Smiths song you will ever hear) and second album ‘Only In Dreams’. Considering their debut album was only out last year, you can’t fault them for a lack of output.

‘Always Looking’ is the first track off ‘Only In Dreams’ and is just over 2 minutes long. Full of feedback and ace bass riffs, it’s romantic in the same vein as Best Coast and even bares similarities to Summer Camp. But you can’t help but find it a bit forgettable. Sure the chorus is catchy and would be fun to dance to at a festival but this isn’t the song to move mountains. Girl bands are definitely back and Dum Dum Girls have proved that they are at the forefront of the revolution, which only leads me to think that they can do better.

By Jessy Parker

Dum Dum Girls - Coming Down

Dum Dum Girls are a girl group who formed in 2008 which consists of Dee-Dee, Jules, Bambi and Sandy. Last year saw the release of their debut full length I Will Be on Sub Pop, which was warm and fuzzy with lo-fi treats galore including danceable hits “Jail La La” and “Bhang Bhang I’m A Burnout.” Although they have often been compared to 60s girl groups, the distorted vocals and pounding drum beats they use mean that there is also a shoegaze element to it; reminiscent of My Bloody Valentine.

With new album Only In Dreams being released 27 September on Sub Pop, new single “Coming Down” surfaced on the internet as a free download from the band’s website. Any lo-fi tags associated with Dum Dum Girls will quickly be dispersed as this new song showcases piercing female vocals from Dee Dee alongside more polished guitars. A sobering effort compared to old material, “Coming Down” is like a mellow come-down from a hazy drug trip. Slow and lovelorn, this wouldn’t sound out of place as a track on a heartbreakingly romantic 80s film soundtrack.

By Aurora Mitchell