Canadian indie rock band Metric has released “Time Is A Bomb,” the latest single from their upcoming album, Romanticize The Dive. The track follows the previously shared “Victim Of Luck” and offers another glimpse into the sonic landscape of the record, slated for release on April 24 via Thirty Tigers.
Frontwoman Emily Haines describes the song as an exploration of the tension between wanting to savor life and acknowledging its fleeting nature. “Say what you want about the wellness boom, I think it’s a natural response to the unrelenting awareness we have of our mortality,” Haines stated. “The powerless feeling of wanting to hold on and produce time stop even as simultaneously doing everything you can to max out your fleeting vitality — this song expresses that inner tension.”
Haines continued, reflecting on a shift in perspective, “I love my life and I’m truly amazed that I made it to my happily ever after, but I don’t want to spend the time I have left obsessing over personal consequences, being boring and hiding from fun. I don’t expect to be jumping off speaker stacks or crowd surfing like I used to, but it’s still too soon to say never.” The lyrics and energy of “Time Is A Bomb” suggest a willingness to embrace life’s imperfections and find joy in the present moment.
Metric, fronted by Haines and guitarist Jimmy Shaw, has been a mainstay of the indie rock scene for over two decades. The band is known for its synth-driven sound and Haines’ distinctive vocals. According to Wikipedia, Haines too performs as a solo artist under her own name and as Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton, and possesses the vocal range of a mezzo-soprano.
Novel Album and Upcoming Tour
Romanticize The Dive is the band’s latest effort, following a period of reflection and creative exploration. The album’s release coincides with a North American tour alongside Broken Social Scene and Stars, beginning June 8 in Austin, Texas. The tour will make one Canadian stop in Toronto on August 7, as CBC Music reported.
The tour supports both Broken Social Scene’s new album, Remember the Humans, due May 8, and Metric’s Romanticize The Dive. Emily Haines and Jimmy Shaw have a long-standing connection to Broken Social Scene, having both written and performed on several of the collective’s albums between 2002 and 2017, including tracks like “Almost Crimes” and “Swimmers,” as noted by Live Nation Newsroom.
A Band Rooted in Collaboration
Metric’s origins are intertwined with the Toronto music scene and the rise of Broken Social Scene. As Stereogum details, Haines and Shaw spent time in New York City in the late 1990s, becoming part of a vibrant musical community that also included members of TV On The Radio, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Stars.
Despite their time in New York, Haines emphasizes that Metric remains fundamentally a Toronto band, citing the city’s support and the enduring connections they’ve maintained there. The band’s ability to navigate between different creative spaces and collaborations has been a defining characteristic of their career.
“Time Is A Bomb” showcases Metric’s continued ability to blend introspective lyrics with an undeniably catchy groove. The song is available now on all major streaming platforms.
As Metric prepares to embark on this new chapter with Romanticize The Dive and the upcoming tour, fans can anticipate a dynamic live experience and a continued exploration of themes surrounding life, mortality, and the pursuit of joy. The tour promises to be a celebration of indie music and a showcase of the enduring creative partnerships that have shaped these artists’ careers.
What are your initial thoughts on “Time Is A Bomb”? Share your reactions in the comments below and be sure to spread the word!
