Metronomy divulge life’s simple pleasures on new album Small World

Track “Right on time” sings “for now, let’s enjoy the sunshine”, while rather obviously titled album single “It’s good to be back” tells us “Oh life / got so hard I couldn’t bear it / Oh, yeah / It feels so good to be back.” It’s a seemingly subtle nod to the pandemic without being branded or necessarily remembered as a covid album. Metronomy are enjoying the small pleasures we have around us, yet glad to be looking beyond the past 18 months.

Small World feels more of a piano-focussed album than previous records. 2019’s record Metronomy Forever and 2021’s Posse EP Volume 1 were infused with upbeat pop synth tracks. Small World, on the other hand, takes a much more lowkey approach. Tracks such as “I lost my mind” and “Hold me tonight” are distinctly Metronomy and could easily be on another one of the band’s albums. Similarly, “Love factory” is the perfect example of Metronomy’s fun and playful take on lyrics. On the other hand, tracks such as “Right on time” and “Things will be fine” have an almost alternative pop sound, and the tracks wouldn’t feel amiss on a Belle and Sebastian record.

Small World closes with the soft waltzy-pop sounding “I have seen enough.” It’s a track that allows the rich deepness of Joe Mount’s voice to resonate in the best way. It’s another track about enjoying the simple pleasures of life: “I will sit with you in silence / as we watch our favourite show.” Whilst Small World doesn't quite pack as much of a punch as Metronomy Forever, it’s a sweet and uplifting album.