Feist – 'Metals' retrospective review
Upon the release of Metals back in September, comparisons were made with Feist’s previous incarnation as the almost quintessential manic pixie dream girl, all sequinned onesies, dance routines and songs about counting. But against type, Metals was broody and towering, masculine and meaty; there wasn’t a 1234 in earshot.
But what that overlooked is that Feist’s latest (and greatest) record is one full of dynamic outbursts, not just some constantly brutal guitar snarl. Indeed, much of it is still seeped in Feist’s sweet voice, dainty melodies and folksy guitar playing, and that sensitivity is only made more affecting by its new surroundings of chain-gang chants and cavernous drumming.
But Metals isn’t just a great album because of what’s been before it – if it were a debut it’d be just as thrilling. Exquisitely paced, it carries the listener over its many undulations without ever a jolt, and while undeniably muscular, it’s also 2011’s most versatile and well-rounded release.
