Metz @ NXNE 2009

The Commotion House

Toronto, ON

on Jun 20 2009

Zack Vitiello (CHARTattack)

06/22/2009 3:18pm

Background/ Composition:
If you've got hair, whip it around. Metz are a Toronto-based trio that make experimental post-punk music that borders on the realm of hardcore. It's the shit that leaves your neck stiff the next morning.

Grade: 82

Comment:
In what looked like a cross between a living room and an industrial warehouse space, Metz played a secret late night show that literally had people hanging from the rafters. Those who stuck it out until 2 a.m. were rewarded with a truly gnarly performance.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: G
Pronunciation: G
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: G
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
As Metz exploded into a series of throbbing, explosive numbers, the band members let loose with some of the most neck-snapping headbanging I've seen in a while. By the end of the set, the bassist's hair had become a puffy tangle from being incessantly whipped around and the drummer had sprawled himself over top of his drum kit and was hopelessly smashing on whatever he could reach from his precarious position. The crowded space responded with dancing, crowd-surfing, and several dare-devils who even climbed onto the shoulders of those around them to swing from the rafters.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: G
Audience Participation: E
Sound: G
Composition: G
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Metz makes loud, hard music. But to leave it at that would be largely dismissive and misleading. There's an abundance of experimental tendencies thrown into the mix for good measure, which keeps Metz from becoming completely subsumed by a "hardcore" classification. At points, the songs wandered into territory reminiscent of DD/MM/YYYY, who had played on the same stage just minutes before, but they always maintained focus and structure, unlike the openers.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: G
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: E
Actual Ability: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
While the bassist and the drummer donned many a tattoo, which was fitting for their heavy sound, the lead singer/guitarist rocked a short-sleeve button down with thick-rimmed glasses and the perfect indie-beard. By the end of the set, all three members, as well as every person in the stuffy room, were a sweaty mess, drained from an awesomely powerful performance.