Formed in 1998 by multi-instrumentalists Emily Haines and James Shaw—who also play with indie rock supergroup Broken Social Scene—Metric are part of a diverse and thriving Canadian underground scene. Inspired by sleek '80s synth-pop and new wave bands like New Order and Blondie, their eclectic sound is exemplified on moody and futuristically catchy singles like “Monster Hospital” and “Gimme Sympathy.” The critically acclaimed Synthetica brought the band's stylish retro aesthetic to its widest audience yet.