ARTIST:
FEIST


ALBUM:
METALS


KEY TRACKS:
THE BAD IN EACH OTHER
ANTI-PIONEER
CAUGHT A LONG WIND
THE CIRCLE MARRIED THE LINE


"speak plain"




This has been a long anticipated release for me.  Ever since Monarch I've always kept Leslie Feist on my musical radar.  She's one of those artists who's musical career I've loosely followed but enjoyed nonetheless.  At first listen Metals doesn't have those standout whimsical singles that made The Reminder such a hit.  You know, the 1 2 3 4's and the Sea Lion's.  Instead Metals is more of a slow burn, reminiscent of some of those subtle gems from The Reminder like Brandy Alexander and (my personal favorite Honey Honey).  As a result of this combination,  Metals really smolders.  

On the first listen you get all the new textures Feist is experimenting with.  Most noticeably are the saxophones and other string/horn arrangements.  However, Feist still maintains her folk roots by honoring those subjects that the genre holds dearest:  nature and love.  And although an already well seasoned musician and songwriter, I couldn't  help but feel there is a real sense of maturity to this album.  The songs are really fluid, layered richly, and are so much more dimensional than previous releases. 


I also feel that I listened to this album in the right place and the right time.  I was road tripping in rural America when this album came on my iPod.  Let me tell you that this record is meant to be heard outside, in the sunlight, with the wind in your hair.  


The album's opener, The Bad in Each Other is most definitely the finest example of this.  Feist's wispy voice, backed by an entire symphony of clattering tambourines, strings, saxophones, guitars, and a laundry list of other noises is a most satisfying combination.  Feist really showcases those guitar skills on this one putting this riff up there amongst 2011's best.    


Metals is certainly more demanding vocally and it's lovely to hear Feist loud and clear over her music as exemplified best in The Circle Married the Line and Anti-Pioneer.  There's also a noticeable staccato to her voice here which was delightful to hear. 


 Anti-Pioneer is a little jewel box of a track and it embodies all the traditional Feist qualities: guitar, subtle backing vocals, and that comfortable slow paced melody.  What's most remarkable about this track is that it has been 10 years in the making.  10 years to make something so subtle?  For Feist, on this track and the album as a whole, capturing that sort of understated elegance is worth taking the time.   

LISTEN:  THE BAD IN EACH OTHER  |  ANTI PIONEER  |  CAUGHT A LONG WIND  |  THE CIRCLE MARRIED THE LINE

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