I'm something of a musical gambler. If I hear a single on the radio that I like, I'll go ahead and get the whole album without previewing it. Often it turns out I only ever like the original single that hooked me, and sometimes there are one or two other good entries amid the rest of the list. Metric's "Fantasies" has turned out to be one of those rare gems that I thoroughly enjoy all the way through. In fact there are two or three tracks I think are better than the single that grabbed my attention ("Help, I'm Alive"). I highly recommend "Gimme Sympathy," "Twilight Galaxy," and "Blindness." The album ranges from mellow rock to slightly edgy, never harsh. Perfect for a quiet morning or lonely drive home.

"We're so close to something better left unknown," a line from the obvious standout track, 'Gimme Sympathy,' is probably the best way to describe Metric's lastest outing, 'Fantasies,' an album that just teeters on the brink of a breakout or breakthrough album.

Being an avid and adoring fan of 'Live it Out,' I knew I wasn't going to hear anything like it, though it would have been nice and welcoming. Still, I am pleasantly surprised and fully satisfied with 'Fantasies.' There is plenty to love, I assure you. From the BIG guitars of 'Satellite Mind' and 'Sick Muse' to the new-wave coolness of 'Gimme Sympathy' to the sister track of 'The Police and the Private' (one of my favorite songs from 'Live it Out'), 'Collect Call', in which Emily pleas, "If somebody's got soul, you've got to make them move." Other great tracks include the energetic 'Gold Gun Girls' and 'Blindness' with its climactic anthemic ending that easily puts 'Fantasies' as one of the best releases this year!

I would greatly beg to differ in calling this album "a let down," because it simply isn't. Metric is progressing. The music is tighter and the lryics are more cohesive. 'Fantasies' is quite the logical step Metric was destined to take. It's an incredibly strong album from an excitingly killer band!

****1/2

I've been listening to Metric for a few years. My first exposure to their infectious and mildly social conscious rock was at one of their shows. Then I happened to take a trip to Toronto where I purchased two of their albums. I instantly loved the melodies and messages. This latest album also does not disappoint. Listen to "Sick Muse" and "Satellite Mind"--a couple of my favorite. Actually, start from the beginning and don't stop because the set has such a good flow.

If you've never heard Metric, this is an incredible album to start with. Strong indie flare, but super accessible. If you like Stars, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bloc Party...you'll love these guys. Crunchy and a bit edgey, but super melodic with Emily Haines awesome voice overtop.

The earlier reviewer hinting at a similarity between Metric and Belly is on to something. If Belly had lasted longer than two albums, perhaps they would have produced something like this, with a diverse sonic palette behind a lead singer who keeps it simple and beautiful.

Emily Haines has a wondrous voice, sounding warm without trying to be some sort of sex kitten. She floats between registers with ease and sounds comfortable both in sparse settings ("Blindness," "Help I'm Alive") and cranked-up rock ("Stadium Love"). The band is powerful without being overpowering, using sharp fills as a counterpoint to Haines' complex but catchy melodies.

The inability of this band to break through on U.S. radio is a scathing indictment of programmers' sensibilities. If the great WHFS had managed to stick around and stay true to itself, this band would've been in heavy rotation. Instead, I only discovered them when I listened to a CBC live stream on a whim and was knocked out by "Gimme Sympathy." Upon checking out more and more of their songs, I found them in that rare category of band in the Download Era in which the entire "album" is worthwhile.

If you need a quick introduction, check out a couple of videos on their official channel -- they have "Gimme Sympathy," "Gold Guns Girls" and "Stadium Love." But you'll be back for more "Fantasies."