Info: Artist: Metronomy
CD: Not Made For Love EP
Label: Because
From the opening moments of Devonshire electronica-outfit Metronomy's latest EP, it's clear that this isn't going to be a white-knuckle ride. However, the soft-edged synth on offer here is skilful and intriguingly pleasant. The ominous chorus of the opening track, which shares its name with the EP itself, “Well you've made a big mistake” perhaps plants a seed of doubt, but the gradual, almost calming feel of Metronomy's cautious, chilled beats soon relaxes any worries. This is a mix of songs made by people not afraid to sit back and let their sound slowly grow.
That's not to say that it ever feels boring. Songs such as Do The Right Thing and What Do I Do Now? certainly aren't 'going out music', but their subtle blending of different sounds and layers of beats, mixed with some catchy (if laid-back) choruses is impressively accomplished.
The range of influences that seem weaved into the tracks are both a boost to the band's appeal and their biggest weakness. Softer elements of Hot Chip, Daft Punk and The Chemical Brothers creep in throughout, especially in the second two-thirds of the EP, made up of remixed tracks from the three original compositions which kick things off. However, Metronomy seem satisfied with simply aping rather than making their work feel truly individual. It's accomplished, but there's little in the way of flair, spark or uniqueness. If you like soft electronica, you'll probably like this, but the sound never threatens to feel that original.
It's in the DJ-remixed tracks that any real spark of creativity is felt – though perhaps this is due to the nature of remixing itself. Either way, the title track's Leo Zero remix is the highpoint of the disc, throwing singer Joseph Mount's Southern England-styled, indie rock-esque vocals into relief against a truly toe-tapping drum beat and a contagious bass hook that wouldn't seem out of place in a smoky seventies rock club. Other highlights include Alalal's title track remix, which infuses a seriously eighties, Bowie-esque synth sound with ska saxophones and a kind of quick modern energy.
The result is a somewhat eclectic mix of songs which lurches from the almost melancholic to quick and catchy and back again within the space of forty-eight minutes, littered with styles and sounds somewhat 'borrowed' from elsewhere. Metronomy's firm grasp of the genre's conventions means that this is hard to hate, but perhaps aptly, Not Made For Love is difficult to truly adore.
6/10
– by Alex Evans