Metronomy
Biography
Metronomy is an English electronic music project founded by Joseph Mount in 1999 in Totnes, Devon. Initially a solo bedroom project, Mount began creating music on an old computer given to him by his father. The name Metronomy was chosen by Mount, inspired by the band names of Autechre and Funkstörung. His early work was characterized by a lo-fi, instrumental, and eccentric electro-pop sound.
Formation and Early Years
In 2002, Joseph Mount moved to Brighton for his studies. He started gaining a reputation for his live shows, which were initially DJ sets. To enhance the live performances, he was joined by his cousin Oscar Cash on keyboards and saxophone, and his old school friend Gabriel Stebbing on bass. The band became known for their engaging live shows, which included synchronized dance routines and chest-mounted push lights. Metronomy's debut album, "Pip Paine (Pay the £5000 You Owe)," was released in 2006, showcasing a blend of electronic beats and live instrumentation.
Rise to Prominence
The band's second album, "Nights Out," was released in 2008 and was conceived as a concept album about a night out. This album brought them wider recognition and included singles like "Heartbreaker" and "My Heart Rate Rapid". In 2009, Gabriel Stebbing left the band to focus on his other project, Your Twenties. He was replaced by Olugbenga Adelekan on bass and Anna Prior joined on drums, solidifying the current lineup alongside Mount and Cash. Michael Lovett later joined on keyboards and guitar.
The English Riviera and Mainstream Success
Metronomy's third album, "The English Riviera," released in 2011, marked a significant shift in their sound towards a more polished and sophisticated style. The album, inspired by the coastline of Devon, received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. It featured popular tracks like "The Bay" and "The Look," with the latter earning them an Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song. This album established them as one of the most creative acts mixing electronic pop and indie rock.
Later Career
The band continued to evolve their sound with subsequent albums. "Love Letters" (2014) was recorded entirely on analogue tape and showed influences of 60s pop and soul. "Summer 08" (2016) was a return to the more electronic feel of their earlier work. Their sixth studio album, "Metronomy Forever," was released in 2019, followed by "Small World" in 2022. The band has toured extensively, supporting acts like Coldplay, Bloc Party, and Justice, and has become known for their energetic and charismatic live performances.
Musical Style and Influence
Metronomy's music is known for its blend of nu-disco, indietronica, new wave, and indie pop. Joseph Mount's songwriting draws on a wide range of influences, including Devo, David Bowie, N.E.R.D., and Pavement. The band is also known for its numerous remixes of artists such as Gorillaz, Franz Ferdinand, and Lady Gaga.
Discography
Studio Albums
Pip Paine (Pay the £5000 You Owe) (2006)
Nights Out (2008)
The English Riviera (2011)
Love Letters (2014)
Summer 08 (2016)
Metronomy Forever (2019)
Small World (2022)
Current Band Members
Joseph Mount – lead vocals, keyboards, guitar
Oscar Cash – keyboards, saxophone, backing vocals
Anna Prior – drums, backing vocals
Olugbenga Adelekan – bass guitar, backing vocals
Michael Lovett – keyboards, guitar