When Metronomy first emerged, their wonky synth-pop took some getting used to. But after seeing them live, it clicked — and by the time Rudyard Lake was celebrating tightrope walking a few years back, and I wandered in to hear Metronomy playing over the PA, they sounded as familiar as old socks and as British as seagulls and chips.
This greatest hits collection offers a solid spread: a few rock-steady classics, some oddball moments, and clear proof that Metronomy — essentially Joseph Mount — could write chart-topping pop if he fancied it.
It kicks off with three heavyweights: “The Look”, “The Bay”, and “Heartbreaker”. After that, it’s a guided tour of where imagination can lead.
“Lately” is a proper pop tune with a drum ’n’ bass pulse; “Salted Caramel Ice Cream” could easily be a Kylie number one; and closer “You Could Easily Have Me” channels garage rock through Metronomy’s signature quirk filter.
There’s the erratic charm of “My Heart Rate Rapid”, the electro-ballad “I’m Aquarius”, and the beepy-boopy eccentricity of “The Lake”. “The Light” edges into the slick commercial territory of Cut Copy.
It can still grate if you’re not in the mood — but when it lands, Metronomy lifts your spirits. And whatever the track, it’s never boring.
JMC
