Calgary’s indie queen Feist has been away for too long. The rise in popularity allowed Leslie Feist to evolve from local gem to international indie sensation. It has been nearly four years since Feist has released any solo work, meaning Metals, her long-awaited fourth studio album, has a lot to live up to. The stormy multi-instrumental melodies replace the stripped-down indie rock sounds found on previous releases The Reminder and Let It Die with rippling notes and delicate layering.
Metals has a darker feel, yet the music is light and easy, using intricate rhythms to captivate the listener. Feist’s smooth alto voice creates a warmth which, combined with the raw sounds of strings and percussion, will send chills down your arms. The enchanting single “How Come You Never Go There” is reminiscent of the qualities that made previous hits “I Feel It All,” “Inside and Out” and “Mushaboom” popular: familiar themes, likable melodies and identifiable emotions.
Metals is Feist’s most substantial album to date. What makes her music so appealing is the vulnerable, intense and natural ambience she effortlessly creates while also achieving international recognition. Feist doesn’t have to try to be impressive — she just is.