Andy Metz

Sparse, clean and yet filled with color and feel, Delusions, the new album from Seattle native (and current Chicago resident) Andy Metz covers the musical canvas quite brightly. Considering this is Metz’ first new album in seven years, it shows he hasn’t lost his knack for writing a melody and offering up interesting lyrics.

His dry, workman-like voice has a touch of humor – certainly on the darker or at least more tongue-in-cheek – and works perfectly on a song like “Evil” (“…oh, I’m evil and I hope you run away…”), with a simple singalong tune carried by keyboards; “Take My Heart” has fine harmonies, crisp acoustic guitar figures and the melody suits the lyrical content (“…take my heart/take my soul/for the last time/’cause I ain’t given them out no more…”) and “Guns” is one of the more “tense” and tight numbers – certainly a poignant piece at this particular moment in time – and the delivery is a clever mix of singing and rapping the verses. “Santa Fe” is melancholic and gentle; “I Might Break” is stripped down with just acoustic guitar, strings and slight percussion and “Old Man” is warm and fully realized in its minimal delivery.

Eleven fine songs; something for every taste and filled with some very deft songwriting. Delusions is nothing short of a fine reality.

Delusions is available now

http://www.andymetz.com/ - Rob Ross of Popdose

Chicago based singer/songwriter Andy Metz has released Delusions, his first full length album in seven years. Blending elements of pop and folk, with songs that are engaging stories, the album is an intimate look into Metz's artistic vision. Deep and personal, the album is expertly produced and creates moods that draw the listener deep into the music.Stream and buy Delusions at the link below. - Floorshime Zipper Boots

When one thinks of music from Seattle, the grunge era usually comes to mind. However, some of my favorite singer songwriters have come from the Emerald City. Raised in Seattle, the now Chicago based artist, Andy Metz, has a sound most definitely influenced by the Seattle sound of the last few decades.

Delusions’ opener “Where We Belong” is an upbeat acoustic driven song that has a bit different feel than anything else on the album, which made it a nice starting point. While still having a strong hold in the folk pop realm, it does travel a bit onto the Americana/alternative country border.

The second song on Delusions, “Evil,” is easily my favorite. A tune about warning a prospective love that he is “evil,” but knowing it is already too late. Lyrically, I feel this is one of the best representations of what he can do and how witty and creative he can be.

Another very lyrically solid song is the first single, “Guns.” It is a very strong political stance on the issue of gun control. “I don’t know what it takes for you to need a gun, but my peace works fine, so I won’t get one,” is the bold opening statement of the single.

Delusions is an original, creative, and powerful album from Andy Metz. If you are a fan of artist such as Rob Thomas, Gavin DeGraw, or even Jack Johnson, I highly recommend you pick up the album. - Melissa DeGott of Rock in Chicago

A singer-songwriter from the heart of Chicago, Andy Metz has been lost in the musical wilderness for the last few years. A talent that was nurtured by everything from hard rock to hip hop, Metz soon developed a songwriting style that is chorus-driven and insanely catchy, and on ‘Delusions’, his first full length album in seven years, he certainly hasn’t let those roots go to waste.

A bristling collection of eleven new tracks, tied around the wondrous single ‘Guns’ and the standout anthems of ‘Where We Belong’, ‘Santa Fe’, and ‘Old Man’, the new album is a cacophony of tight-knit melodies and stadium-sized choruses.

Broad strokes of melodies float across Metz’s soothing vocals, folding into a medley of jubilant anthems, with each track building upon its predecessor to create a wave of accessible, and undeniably enjoyable songs. Seven years waiting, and worth every minute, ‘Delusions’ is a return of near-epic proportions.

Rating: 8 out of 10
Anthem: Guns - Anthem Review