The thing about Nirvana is that even though they became super massive rock icons whose name is going to ring through the ages, it really wasn’t until Nevermind that the masses really discovered them. But if you were going to talk about what their sound was really all about, their first album Bleach is where it’s at. Noisier and harder than their follow-up albums, Bleach might not have had the intricate storytelling of A In Untero, but made up for it in spades with raw fuck-you’ness. Why mention this? Because BleachA is where Canadian band Metz are at right now with their debut self titled album. Big bass, big drums… a caustic sound that’s coming right from the roots of grunge, nodding towards Shellac, The Pixies, The Jesus Lizard, Public Image Ltd. Sure there’s the odd straight-up guitar riff and megaphone on the vox, occasionally a proper pop-punk head, but everything passes so quickly that nothing’s ever there long enough to become a real feature. The songs are individual onslaughts. The onslaught is relentless.
Over the last three-and-a-half years, METZ have slayed in basements, skate shops, clubs, and festivals, sharing stages with Mission of Burma, Death from Above 1979, Archers of Loaf, Mudhoney, Oneida, Constantines, and NoMeansNo. IaeEURtmve seen a hundred jaws drop within the first four measures of their set. I once saw Alexander Hacke from Einstuerzende Neubauten approach Chris and rave about his bass tone.
Metz is the perfectest album to play loud at home. And they’re the perfectest band to hear live even more so.A Good for you then that they’re due to play here live in Berlin, invading the stage at Bi Nuu at Schlessiches Tor. Being amazing. Tickets are on sale now and are going for 14 and supports are yet to be announced.
Seriously, go listen to Bleach again. Metz is like its little off-the-rails sister.
