Metronomy

Metronomy are an electronic group from Totnes, United Kingdom, active since 1999. They begin as the solo project of Joseph Mount before developing into a full band. The current line-up includes Joseph Mount, Oscar Cash, Anna Prior and Michael Lovett, and the group is also associated with Gbenga Adelekan, who appears in the bio as bassist and vocalist in the live band.

Origins and early work

Metronomy start in Totnes, Devon, where Mount makes electronic music at home after his father buys him a computer. Mount is influenced by Autechre, LFO and Aphex Twin, and the project initially develops as a creative outlet rather than a planned pop act. After Mount moves to Brighton for university, Metronomy release their debut album, Pip Paine (Pay The £5000 You Owe), in 2006. The album is described as largely instrumental electro-pop and is noted for its unusual, eccentric character.

Albums and live development

Metronomy’s second album, Nights Out (2008), is the first to be mainly vocal-led and marks the point at which the project becomes a more fully realised live band rather than a name for Mount’s solo work. The live setup expands over time, first with Gabriel Stebbing, Oscar Cash, dance routines and blinking clothes, then in 2009 with the addition of a live drummer and bassist. Anna Prior joins on drums and vocals, while Gbenga Adelekan joins on bass and vocals.

The band’s later albums are The English Riviera (2011), Love Letters (2014) and Summer 08 (2016). Across these releases, Metronomy move from the early home-recorded electro-pop of the debut toward a broader live group identity.

Style and collaborations

Metronomy are associated with art pop, electronic, electropop, indie pop, indie rock and indietronica. Their work is also linked in the bio to electro-punk, dance and art crossover audiences, and to influences including Giorgio Moroder, New Order, Pet Shop Boys and Soul II Soul’s Unfinished Sympathy on Nights Out.

Mount also carries out remixes for Klaxons, Franz Ferdinand and Gorillaz, collaborates with Kate Nash and Florence and the Machine, and produces part of Roots Manuva’s Slime and Reason.