Is Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? a good place to start with Metric?

Yes, Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? is recommended as a starting point for new Metric listeners. A vibrant blend of post-punk energy and electronic textures that captures the anxieties of urban youth. Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? marked Metric's debut album, establishing them as a significant voice in the early 2000s indie rock scene. Released in 2003, it followed their EP, Static in Transmission, and set the stage for their future success with a growing fanbase in Canada and beyond.

Who is Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? for?

Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? works well if you're into short, punchy song bursts, introspective late-night vibes and dynamic emotional contrasts.

How many songs are on Old World Underground, Where Are You Now??

Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?

Metric · 2003

37 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant blend of post-punk energy and electronic textures that captures the anxieties of urban youth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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IOU Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Combat Baby — This track encapsulates the album's raw energy and lyrical themes of disillusionment and youthful rebellion, becoming an anthem for many listeners drawn to its punchy hooks.
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Dead Disco — With its infectious chorus and critique of superficiality in nightlife culture, this song highlights Metric's knack for combining catchy melodies with sharp social commentary.
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Hustle Rose — This track showcases Emily Haines' distinctive vocal style and poetic lyrics, reflecting the emotional complexities of modern relationships against a backdrop of driving rhythms.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic post-punk with electronic textures, showcasing strong songwriting and distinctiveness.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside melodic vocals, creating a dynamic interplay between styles.
The album frequently shifts between upbeat tempos and more introspective moments, particularly evident in the transition from 'Combat Baby' to 'Calculation Theme'.
The final track, 'Love Is a Place', concludes with an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering atmosphere.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short, punchy song bursts
introspective late-night vibes
dynamic emotional contrasts
steady rhythmic engagement

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Debut album that established Metric's presence in the indie rock scene.
Themes: nightlife superficiality· digital alienation
Career context: Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? marked Metric's debut album, establishing them as a significant voice in the early 2000s indie rock scene. Released in 2003, it followed their EP, Static in Transmission, and set the stage for their future success with a growing fanbase in Canada and beyond.
Stylistic neighbors: Chvrches· Yeah Yeah Yeahs· Bat for Lashes