Jonathan Horner discovers dense and frenzied chaos courtesy of the Canadian punk band on their new album
Sub Pop
Released: 09.10.20
This record should come with a health warning – not advised for those with heart conditions. Those familiar with Metz will know to have a blood pressure monitor on hand or at least take a deep breath before pressing play. Fans can also be reassured that their fundamental core – propulsive drums, chest-thumping bass lines and bloody-fingered guitar riffs, are back. That such dense frenzied chaos can be created by three people is a wonder.
Atlas Vending, though, is more lyrically expansive; covering seemingly disparate themes such as paternity, crushing social anxiety, addiction, isolation, media-induced paranoia and the restless urge to leave everything behind. Tension, stress and angst. Delve into them, cleanse yourself of them and then go and take a long bath.