Is Synthetica a good place to start with Metric?

Yes, Synthetica is recommended as a starting point for new Metric listeners. A fusion of synth-pop and indie rock, balancing catchy melodies with introspective lyrics across electronic landscapes. Synthetica is Metric's fifth studio album, released after their critically acclaimed album Fantasies in 2009. At this point, the band was solidifying its identity in the indie rock scene, blending electronic elements while exploring themes of artificiality and authenticity.

Who is Synthetica for?

Synthetica works well if you're into steady mid-tempo exploration, modern soundscape with depth and reflective moments of introspection.

How many songs are on Synthetica?

Synthetica has 11 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Synthetica

Metric · 2012

43 min · 11 tracks · indie rock

A fusion of synth-pop and indie rock, balancing catchy melodies with introspective lyrics across electronic landscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Artificial Nocturne Start here — This opening track sets a haunting tone for the album, introducing themes of existential reflection amid an electronic soundscape that captures the listener's attention immediately.
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Youth Without Youth — With its pulsing beat and reflective lyrics, this track embodies the tension between youthful idealism and the disillusionment that comes with maturity, resonating strongly with the album's overarching themes.
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Clone — Exploring themes of identity and replication, 'Clone' features a driving rhythm and sharp lyrics that encapsulate the album's critique of modern existence and technology's impact on individuality.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Synthetica blends catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing Metric's evolving sound in the indie rock scene.

What we noticed

The opening track features a slow build with layered synths that gradually introduce the rhythm, setting a moody tone for the album.
Several tracks incorporate a call-and-response vocal style, where the lead singer alternates lines with backing vocals, creating a dynamic interplay.
The album's pacing varies significantly; after a series of mid-tempo songs, the final three tracks shift to more reflective and slower tempos.

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

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

steady mid-tempo exploration
modern soundscape with depth
reflective moments of introspection
immersive journey through themes
steady pacing for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party tracks
prefer immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established wider recognition with a high Billboard chart position and critical acclaim.
Themes: artificial landscapes· identity replication
Career context: Synthetica is Metric's fifth studio album, released after their critically acclaimed album Fantasies in 2009. At this point, the band was solidifying its identity in the indie rock scene, blending electronic elements while exploring themes of artificiality and authenticity.
Stylistic neighbors: Chvrches· Yeah Yeah Yeahs· Bat for Lashes

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Youth Without Youth

The chorus shifts into a stark contrast between hope and despair as it acknowledges fleeting moments of joy overshadowed by a sense of loss.

This juxtaposition deepens the emotional impact, illustrating how nostalgia can coexist with regret, which is a central theme throughout the album.