Metro Area - Metro Area (3LP. 15th Anniversary Edition) [Environ]

Format: 3x12" 

Environ is proud to present the Metro Area 15th Anniversary Edition, the special edition of Metro Area's self-titled debut album, meticulously remastered by Matt Colton of Alchemy Mastering from the artists' original tapes. This package brings together all songs from the original US and European editions, and includes new commemorative artwork exclusive to this version.

Originally released in 2002, the album was named one of the Best Albums of the Year by Rolling Stone and, in 2011, Resident Advisor voted it the second Best Album of the Decade, with the timeless “Miura” crowned as the #1 Track of the 2000s.

In the late 90s, Morgan Geist and Darshan Jesrani connected over their shared love for slower tempos and 70s and 80s NYC club culture. Passionate about crate digging and the sounds of late-night “club classics” programs, they rejected current releases that they felt crudely “updated” sublime disco through samples, filters, and excessive kick drums. Thus, they decided to investigate how their beloved classic 12” records were made.

Naturally, they were drawn to extended dub versions—full of curious mistakes and echoey backing tracks—rather than the well-known vocal versions. Without the large budgets or equipment that brought their favorite records to life, they adopted a guerrilla approach: they reprogrammed their techno arsenal of second-hand synths and samplers, used emerging digital technology to record live instruments, and prioritized atmosphere over melodic hooks. The result was music “imperfect” enough to sound distinct from everything else being released at the time.

After just four underground 12” releases, the duo—already known as Metro Area—released their first and only album in the fall of 2002. Fifteen years later, it's time to celebrate again the culmination of their shared history and inspiration.