The Toronto-based Metric, who've won a large audience playing the club circuit in both Canada and the U.S., released their first album, Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?, to much acclaim from fans and critics in 2003. Backed by guitar, chirping synths and other pop-friendly instruments, singer Emily Haines provides vocals that range from soft and breathy to bold and fierce. The album's subject matter is also diverse, featuring songs about social standing ("The List"), difficult political issues ("Succexy") and other wide-ranging topics. 2005's Live It Out, the group's second album, offers further proof of Metric's impressive versatility and knack for crafting catchy pop-rock gems.