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an interview with METZ, plus a song premiere and November tour dates (MP3 and stream)

by Bill Pearis

DOWNLOAD: METZ – Wet Blanket (MP3)

METZ at Pianos 8/31/2012 via @BrooklynVegan Instagram
METZ

Toronto trio METZ practice a punishing brand of punk-leaning indie rock that is a direct decedent of Steve Albini, Amphetamine Reptile and other midwest ear-pummelers. After three years and a few 7″ singles, the band are set to release their debut album on October 9 via Sub Pop and does an exceptional job of capturing METZ’s visceral energy onto recorded medium. We’ve got the premiere of adrenalized LP track “Wet Blanket” which you can download above or stream below.

Seeing METZ live is truly where it’s at, mind you, and shows are intense to say the least. The band have swung through town a few times already (including an extra hot and sweaty show at Death by Audio last month) and will be here again for CMJ, during which they’ll play the Sub Pop showcase at Knitting Factory on October 18 (tix). After CMJ, METZ will continue to tour and will swing back through NYC for two more shows: November 19 at Mercury Lounge and November 20 at Knitting Factory. Ticket info on those shows is still TBA. All dates are listed below.

In between rauccous live performances, guitarist/singer Alex Edkins was kind enough to answer a few questions for us via email:

Your album was a (fairly) long time coming. Just waiting to get it right?

Yes. It took us three 7 inches and a hundred shows to really get a grasp of what a METZ LP would sound like. The actual recording didn’t take long at all.

Your album does a great job of translating METZ’s live sound to the recorded medium. What’s the secret?

Crank it up until it sounds like its going to break. Red line everything including the drums.

You worked with some producers more normally thought of in electronic circles, what made you choose them?

We feel really fortunate to have worked with Graham Walsh (Holy Fuck) and Alex Bonenfant (Crystal Castles). We wanted to avoid a traditional “rock ‘n’ roll” recording and make something different.

What’s the secret to getting that SHRIIIINNNG noise beyond flicking the guitar strings above the headnut?

You have to really mean it!

continued below…

METZ’s album art

METZ shows are intense — is it as physically draining as it appears? It’s also really loud. Do you guys wear earplugs?

Yes and Yes. On tour, we wait around all day to play so when the time finally comes we put everything into it. I usually feel like I’ve been hit by a bus after we play. Earplugs are recommended.

You’re coming back to NYC for CMJ — any Big Apple highlights/anecdotes from your previous shows?

Playing Death By Audio is always a highlight. Our last show there was absolutely crazy. It was so hot I’m surprised nobody in the crowd passed out.

Speaking of DbA (which you’ve played twice), have you indulged in any of their custom pedals?

Yes. Chris uses one of their pedals. I think its an Interstellar Overdriver or something gnarly like that.

Who’s the sleepy student on your album cover?

I’m not sure. My dad took that photo when he was in high school. I think it sums up the overall vibe of the record.

After a few years in Montreal’s shadow, Toronto’s music scene is getting more attention. What bands should we know about?

Young Mother, Ell V Gore, Dusted, The Soupcans, Teenanger, Odonis Odonis, Rituals, S.H.I.T. and much much more.

Who’s the best power trio of all time?

Larry, Curly, and Moe

Canadian question: What’s your favorite Sloan album?

Thats a tough one. I think its a tie between Smeared and Twice Removed.


Metz – “Wet Blanket”

METZ – 2012 Tour Dates
Sep. 20 – Montreal, QC – Il Motore*
Sep. 21 – Montreal, QC – Mission Santa Cruz **
Oct. 06 – Ottawa, ON – Babylon Night Club
Oct. 09 – Hamilton, ON – Baltimore House
Oct. 10 – Guelph, ON – eBar #
Oct. 11 – London, ON – APK Live #
Oct. 12 – Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern #
Oct. 18 – Brooklyn, NY – Knitting Factory / Sub Pop CMJ Showcase ***
Oct. 20 – Brighton, UK – The Hope
Oct. 21 – Leeds, UK – The Library
Oct. 22 – Glasgow, UK – Art School
Oct. 23 – Manchester, UK – Kraak Gallery
Oct. 24 – London, UK – Old Blue Blast (Presented by The Quietus)
Oct. 25 – Paris, FR – Nouveau Casino
Oct. 27 – Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle
Oct. 29 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry
Nov. 01 – Vancouver, BC – Media Club ^
Nov. 02 – Seattle, WA – Barboza
Nov. 03 – Portland, OR – Bunk Bar
Nov. 05 – San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill
Nov. 07 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo
Nov. 09 – Costa Mesa, CA – Constellation Room
Nov. 10 – Las Vegas, NV – Beauty Bar
Nov. 12 – Denver, CO – Larimer Lounge
Nov. 14 – Pittsburgh, PA – Brillobox
Nov. 16 – Philadelphia, PA – Kung Fu Necktie
Nov. 17 – Washington, DC – Red Palace
Nov. 19 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
Nov. 20 – Brooklyn, NY – Knitting Factory
Nov. 21 – Boston, MA – Middle East Upstairs
Nov. 22 – Montreal, QC – IL Motore
* w/ Hot Snakes
** w/ Merchandise
*** w/ Pissed Jeans, King Tuff, Poor Moon, Daughn Gibson, Debo Band
# w/ Roomrunner
^ w/ Ladyhawk