(Music) Emily Haines: "Knives Don't Have Your Back"

Any diehard Metric fan who is desperately searching for some new Metric-ness from Emily Haine's first solo album, "Knives Don't Have Your Back," should turn away and pretend this album doesn't exist. Honestly, "Knives Don't Have Your Back" is many things. But it is not a Metric album and with the exception of Haine's always-beautiful voice, there is nothing here that would even hint that this woman is partly responsible for the indie-rock sensation that is Metric.

No, this album is far different than anything we've heard from Emily before, and though it could potentially turn away many of her fans, a thoughtful listen will reveal the beauty of "Knives Don't Have Your Back."

Let's run through this real quick. Piano? Check. Emily's vocals? Check. Drums, guitars, and other instrumentations? *crickets* Cleverness aside, that's essentially what this album is; Emily playing the piano and singing. Sure, there's an occasional percussion track here and there and a hint of bass guitar or two, but for the most part, it's as simple as Emily on piano. The surprise here is that it actually works, and I can't imagine this album being a success in any other form than it is.

Emily's lyrics have been a bit personal from time to time, but she really opens up on "Knives..."

Take for example, "Numb is the new high, old memories die out 'til nothing and nowhere is golden" which is immensely more poignant and touching than any Metric song has ever been. But fans of Emily's biting style of social commentary will have no problem with this album, either. Having never shied away from telling it like it is, Emily comes off as brilliant with a line like "We don't know how to help. Only know how to hump," and even though it's presented in a manner that is the exact opposite of Metric, it's the same Emily Haines that Metric fans have come to love.

Enough on the lyrics. As I stated before, this album is really just Emily on piano. The thing is, with such great lyrics flowing through the heart of every song, the omission of a band really makes these songs all the more powerful and touching. It adds a bit of vulnerability to a woman who we've only seen rocking out with a bunch of boys. It's personal, amazingly personal, and Haines is really allowing herself to be vulnerable. But beyond that, there is actually some great music here, albeit toned-down and somewhat simplistic.

As a fan of Metric, and now of Haines, herself, I have to say that I was initially disappointed with "Knives Don't Have Your Back." It is definitely not a Metric album. But what it is, is beautiful, touching, personal, and, at times, heartbreaking. Any fan of Emily Haines' lyrical stylings should definitely check out this album. Although I can't see myself making this album a priority for months to come, I can definitely foresee it getting multiple plays in my stereo, if only as a soundtrack to the winding down of my days.

Recommended for fans of Tori Amos, Metric, and anyone who really wants to know all about the inner workings of Emily Haines.

Key Tracks:
1. "Our Hell"
2. "Doctor Blind"
3. "The Lottery"
4. "The Maid Needs a Maid"

3 out of 5 Stars