7/10

Throughout their tenure, Metric have been one of the most consistently inventive names on the scene. After forming their distinctive approach to dark and driven electro-rock qualities right back in 2003 with their breakthrough debut LP 'Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?', the band have managed to continue finding new and adventurous ways in which to explore their aesthetic, delivering a flurry of explorative offerings ever since. And now they return to deliver their eighth studio album 'Formentera', a record that brings back even more of that rich and vibrant direction.

What has been so refreshing about Metric's output is its sheer uncompromising approach to sound and style. While many others in their field have fallen victim to outside fashion and commercial trends, Metric have remained tethered to their formative ideals and nestle them within a mainstream aura. 'Formentera' not only pursues more of this invigorating and progressive path throughout, it also remains true to its core heart of dark and euphoric textures that bring a broad and atmospheric feel to each song, adding a contemporary edge to their enigmatic legacy to date.

While opening with the ten-minute odyssey 'Doomscroller' may have been a bit of a gamble, it shows that Metric are more creative and forward-thinking than ever. There is this brilliantly engaging flow running the length of 'Formentera', something that even after twenty years is still able to lure us in.