Metals is Feist on a rainy day

Sara McGuire
Contributor

Fans of Canadian musician Leslie Feist have undoubtedly been anticipating more music since the successful release of The Reminder back in 2007. Her new album Metals, released October 4, is a worthy addition to her discography.

The album reintroduces Feist’s pure, haunting vocals and dreamy music. Her new songs, however, assume a darker tone compared to her previous albums. The album was composed in a mountain cabin in California during the rainy month of February, wrote Feist on her official website. The conditions under which the songs were written are reflected in the music and in the progression of the album.

The beginning of the album swells and crashes, full of passion and urgency, then starts to calm like the passing of a storm.  Fans of Feist’s more upbeat and poppy hits like “1234” and “I Feel It All” may be surprised by the dramatic turn that she has taken with her music.  Still, listeners should not be deterred, as the album delivers beautifully in a different way.

The album opens with the passionate “The Bad In Each Other.”  It establishes the subsequent themes of frustration and confusion with love that are woven throughout the album.  That being said, it is more than merely a breakup album. Many of the songs contain moments of deep introspection about the past, as well as contemplation about leaving the life you know behind, and exploring the unknown.

The wistful “Caught A Long Wind” stands out in its soft and thoughtful nature. Listening to Metals is like following along Feist’s train of thought as she reflects on her life so far and the choices she must make in times to come. Her music is moving and at moments very personal.

My only quibble would be that the album drags on somewhat in the second half.  Despite enjoying the musical and lyrical brilliance in her new music, I did find myself missing the simple pleasure that many of her previous songs inspired.  Some would argue that it is not an album to casually breeze through.  Rather, it is one that should be experienced with attention and reflection. Nostalgia aside, Metals holds its own in its sincerity and quiet musing.

About the Author

By Excalibur Publications

Administrator

Topics

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments