Metric in San Francisco

About Metric

Metric is the kind of band that sounds like they're always three steps ahead. Led by Emily Haines's deadpan vocals and Jem Fincher's precise guitar work, they emerged from Toronto in the early 2000s playing tightly wound synth-rock that somehow manages to be both cerebral and genuinely catchy. Dead Disco and Black Sheep established them as indie rock fixtures, but it was Monster Hospital that showed their range—a track that builds from minimal to genuinely anthemic without ever breaking their cool exterior. They've never chased trends; instead, they've built a discography that rewards close listening while still delivering proper hooks. Live, they're relentless. There's no filler, no phoning it in. Even their mellower moments feel intentional rather than indulgent.

Metric shows move with mechanical precision and sudden explosive energy. Haines commands the stage with minimal movement but maximum presence. Crowds are engaged, attentive—these aren't people checking their phones. The band locks in tight, and there's a visible satisfaction when everything clicks.

Known for Dead Disco, Black Sheep, Monster Hospital, Gimme Sympathy, Youth Without Youth

Metric + San Francisco

Metric's relationship with San Francisco has always felt like a natural fit — the band's synth-driven post-punk sensibility found an early home in a city that's never been shy about electronic experimentation. They stopped by Amoeba Records in October 2022 for a stripped-down set that hit the essentials: "Dark Saturday" opened things up, followed by the propulsive "Live It Out," which still carries that urgent energy from their early 2000s peak. "All Comes Crashing" showed why their songwriting has endured, and "Synthetica" closed the in-store performance — a fitting choice, given how that album marked their most deliberate dive into synth-pop territory. It was the kind of intimate appearance that reminds you why Metric matters beyond the big venues.

Metric in San Francisco News

• Metric, Broken Social Scene and Stars Announce All the Feelings Tour – Tickets Available 2/6 Eponymous Review · Feb 5, 2026
• Metric Plots 2026 North American Tour With Broken Social Scene and Stars TicketNews · Feb 4, 2026
• Metric, Broken Social Scene & Stars Team Up For Tour Promising ‘All The Feelings’ Pollstar News · Feb 3, 2026
• Metric, Broken Social Scene, and Stars Just Announced a Joint Tour for 2026 VICE · Feb 3, 2026
• Broken Social Scene, Metric and Stars Are Announcing Something Tomorrow Exclaim! · Feb 2, 2026

Live Music in San Francisco

San Francisco's electronic and post-punk underground has always had a particular sophistication to it, drawing from decades of industrial, new wave, and experimental music. The city's venues and record shops have traditionally championed artists who blur the line between pop accessibility and sonic complexity — exactly where Metric lives. That sensibility runs through everything from the Bay Area's synth-wave revival to its ongoing love affair with guitar-based indie that isn't afraid of electronic textures. Metric fits naturally into this landscape.

San Francisco road trip to see Metric?

Stay in Hayes Valley or the Mission—both neighborhoods have the kind of restaurants and bars that make a weekend feel deliberate rather than touristy. Head to State Bird Provisions for dinner if you can get in; it's precise and inventive without being pretentious. Spend a day in Muir Woods or hiking around Twin Peaks for actual views of the city. The de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park is worth a couple hours if the weather holds. Hit up a coffee place on Valencia Street in the Mission just to sit and watch the neighborhood move around you.