Metropolitan first formed in 1998, in Washington, by then as a collaboration between guitarists John Masters and Aidan Coughlan. Influenced by the music of bands like Sonic Youth, Velvet Underground or Galaxie 500, Metropolitan compose a spirited noise-rock style, enlightened by figures of pop. One year after assembling, the duo emerged with its first recording, the self-released album Side Effect. By then Masters and Coughlan had already conquered the interest of the local alternative music arena. In January of 2001, and after several line-up modifications, Coughlan left, and not long after, drummer Saadat Awan and bassist Shyam Telikicherla joined in, that way defining the group as a trio. During the following times the band played numerous live shows, sharing the stage with bands like the Dismemberment Plan, Bardo Pond or Tristeza. In early 2002, Metropolitan reentered the studio to record their second full-length disc with the helping works of producer Chad Clark who previously worked with groups such as Fugazi or the Beauty Pill. Down For You Is Up, the trio's second album, issued by Crank Automotive records, hit the record stores in March, confirming the band as one of the rising team's within Washington's music scene. ~ Mario Mesquita Borges, All Music Guide