From the Crickets to Yo La Tengo, the trio format of guitar, bass and drums has long been rock and roll’s most primal arrangement, but despite decades of exploration, this most basic of lineups still produces fresh, compelling music. A fine case in point is Arlington three-piece Metropolitan, whose set at the Metro Cafe Wednesday night bristled with noisy rock-pop goodness.
Supporting their recently released second album “Down For You Is Up”, the Metropolitan men---guitarist John Masters, bassist Shyam Telikicherla and drummer Saadat Awan---played with confidence and cohesion. On the surface, the band’s approach might seem unfashionable: Masters’ snarly guitar sound occasionally recalled oft-forgotten garage-pop gurus the Flamin’ Groovies, Telikicherla’s Rickenbacker bass hooks circa-1982 R.E.M. and Awan’s drum patterns the propulsive kick of the Feelies. It was precisely this combination of quality retro elements, shot through with the trio’s wiry verve, that gave songs like “Long Distance Dedication” and “Slide Rule” their refreshing sheen. Masters vocals, especially on numbers like “Westmoreland”, “Bright Side” and an update of an older tune, “Feel All Right”, showed enormous growth from gigs the band played just last year, underscoring the melodies with an easy grace.
On the evidence of their latest record and Wednesday’s performance, Metropolitan---which has several more local shows planned over the next month---is evolving into one of the most intruiging beacons on the D.C. area’s musical radar.
Washington Post, 2002
