Metatronic cover

Metatronic

John Foxx · 2010

138 min · 36 tracks · new wave

Ethereal synths weave through haunting melodies, creating a sonic landscape that feels both nostalgic and futuristic.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Underpass (extended version) — This track exemplifies Foxx's knack for blending haunting melodies with electronic rhythms, showcasing his signature style that influenced countless artists.
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    No-One Driving — The song captures a sense of isolation and urban decay, resonating with themes prevalent throughout Foxx's oeuvre while maintaining a melodic hook.
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    Burning Car — With its driving beat and evocative lyrics, this track stands out for its dramatic narrative, making it a compelling highlight of the album.
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    The Noise — This track represents Foxx's experimental side, combining intricate sound design with thought-provoking themes, which adds depth to the listening experience.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • urban isolation explorations
  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • nostalgic synth-driven melodies
  • dynamic journey through sound

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification
  • seek standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
When John Foxx released Metatronic in 2010, he was well-established as a pioneering figure in electronic music, known for his influential work since the late 1970s. This album came nearly three decades after his debut, and it served as a retrospective on his earlier themes while incorporating modern production techniques.
Stylistic neighbors
Gary Numan· Kraftwerk· Visage

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Everyone

    A critical commentary on societal disconnection emerges when the verses shift from individual experiences to collective observations about urban life.

    The transition from personal to collective perspectives allows for a broader reflection on society's alienation, enhancing the song's emotional weight.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Underpass (extended version) 4:25
  • 2 This City 3:09
  • 3 No-One Driving 3:51
  • 4 Burning Car 3:17
  • 5 The Noise 4:18
  • 6 Everyone 5:42
  • 7 When It Rains 4:23
  • 8 Automobile 5:59
  • 9 Broken Furniture (single version) 4:03
  • 10 Drive (single version) 4:33
  • 11 Once in a While 4:11
  • 12 From Trash 4:38
  • 13 Never Let Me Go 3:18
  • 14 Smokescreen 2:27
  • 15 Cinemascope 3:30
  • 16 Phone Tap 4:00
  • 17 Smoke 7:02

Disc 2

  • 1 Crash and Burn (live, 2008, Sydney) 4:49
  • 2 Uptown / Downtown (live, 2008, Sydney) 6:58
  • 3 The Man Who Dies Every Day (live, 2008, Sydney) 4:20
  • 4 Hiroshima Mon Amour (live, 2008, Sydney) 5:06
  • 5 Underpass (live, 2008, Sydney) 4:19
  • 6 From Trash (live, 2008, Sydney) 4:52
  • 7 Shadow Man (live, 2008, Sydney) 9:22
  • 8 My Sex (live, 2008, Sydney) 8:38
  • 9 Burning Car (early version) 2:44
  • 10 Underpass (Mark Reeder's Sinister Subway mix) 4:11
  • 11 Dislocated (Jussi Pekka's Pointed on a Map remix) 5:40
  • 12 20th Century (Dubterror vs Karborn mix) 5:01

Disc 3

  • 1 Underpass (B & W)
  • 2 He's a Liquid
  • 3 No-One Driving
  • 4 Smokescreen
  • 5 Underpass (Mark Reeder's Sinister Subway mix)
  • 6 The Noise (VH1 session)
  • 7 Shifting City (live, 1998)

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata