Metric Take Break From Recording New Album, But Members Remain Busy

Following a western Canada tour that included a performance at Vancouver's inaugural Virgin Festival, Metric have decided to take a bit of a break from recording their new album. But that doesn't mean they're slacking off.

According to the band's website, they'll return to the as-yet untitled album soon. In the meantime, lead singer Emily Haines is performing dates with The Soft Skeleton and guitarist James Shaw is working with former Death From Above 1979 member Sebastien Grainger on his new album.

Bassist Joshua Winstead and drummer Joules Scott-Key are about to release an LP under the band name Bang Lime that was recorded over two weeks in the duo's hometown of Oakland, Calif. Their Best Friends In Love debut will be released on Aug. 14 through Last Gang Records, which is also Metric's label.

"The Death Of Death," "Equator" and "Free White And 21" can be heard on the band's MySpace page. Other song titles include "Fly Paper," "Kick The Habit" and "Sailing."

Although fans will have to wait to hear a new Metric record, Last Gang will put out Grow Up And Blow Away on June 26. The 10-track album was recorded in 1999, but was never released because of label changes.

Haines will issue a solo EP titled What Is Free To A Good Home? on July 24.

Here are Metric's Canadian dates:

July 12 Calgary, AB @ Flames Central
July 13 Ottawa, ON @ Bluesfest
July 14 Quebec City, QC @ D'Youville Square
Sept. 9 Toronto, ON @ Virgin Festival