Emily Haines and James Shaw, one time members of Canada's Broken Social Scene, return with an altogether poppier take on things. Their time flat sharing with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and hanging out in New York has obviously done them the world of good. Combat Baby will appeal to just about anyone familiar with Blondie, Wire and Elastica. Should this perpetuate a new scene next year, pity the poor reviewer who has to put a name to it. New Wave of New Wave of New Wave anyone? No, didn't think so.
Spiky guitars and synth-pop are the key to this track, as they jostle for poition with Emily Haines' voice. Emily is cute, driven and knowing all at once, and it's this edginess, coupled with an ear for a good hook and chorus, that would suggest that Metric could well be one of the leading contenders for a breakthrough hit next year.
It would be a shame if they dropped short of the mark, but with an unmistakable British tinge (possibly due to their work with New Order producer Stephen Hague) it would seem likely that they will find their way into the hearts and ears of a willing British audience. Their album Old World Underground, Where are You Now? is released next year, and on this evidence they'll be fighting in the aisles to get their hands on it. Now that's Combat Baby.
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