(((O))) : Under The Influence with Verse Metrics

Photo: Amanda Kilfeather

Verse Metrics is an atmospheric alternative indie rock band from central Scotland, blending the precision of math-rock with the cinematic depth of post-rock. Praised by Clash, Kerrang!, and The Scotsman for their emotive sound and dynamic intensity, VMs’ music explores memory, isolation, and connection.

The band have been around since 2009 in various line-ups, and produced a number of singles and EP’s in that time. But 2026 marks the release of their actual debut album Descents, which shows them in a sharper, heavier evolution –both powerful and beautifully human.

To celebrate the occasion, we asked two of the band, Bob and Al, to choose three “records” that have hugely influenced their music – especially their just-released debut, Descents.

Bearcubbin’ – Girls With Fun Haircuts (2014 – chosen by Al C)

I first heard Bearcubbin’ when Kyle Chesney from Cut Loose Promotions took hold of the aux cable (without consent) in the car on the way to ArcTanGent, a while back. I miss his wee face. Girls With Fun Haircuts immediately felt playful. It’s glitchy and technical and full of “head-nod-ability”. Songs like ‘Kevin’ and ‘Solid Gold Monster Truck’ are metamorphous masterpieces. I can’t understate how important the drums are – they allow for the riffs to breathe and twist, and absolutely allow no room for the tracks to become uninteresting.
 
Each track can feel like three or four different songs mashed together, but there is always enough melody and groove to make the journey make sense. The musicianship is seriously good, although the band never seem overly serious about themselves. I’ve definitely quoted the title ‘Carpet Needs a Drink Too’ more times than a functioning person should.
 
Bearcubbin’ inspired us to remain experimental with guitar tones, loops and textures while still making music that feels fun. You can hear some of that playfulness in the instrumental section of ‘Sea Fairies’, and throughout the interludes on Descents. Pieces such as ‘The Lights Came On in a Different Place’ and ‘A Haunting Waiting to Be Assigned’ began as short loops that we manipulated until they created an atmosphere or something emotional.
 
N.B. There is what is essentially a new Bearcubbin’ album out under the name Layers In Layers. It’s dynamite.

Queens of the Stone Age – Songs for the Deaf (2002 – chosen by Bob D)

One of the greatest rock albums ever made, and a huge influence on how I listen to, write, and think about music. 

It manages to sound massive without ever being messy. The songs flow through huge riffs, sleazy grooves, radio interruptions, and calm moments without losing momentum. The drums are inventive without ever sounding excessive or distracting. 

There are three main singers across the album, which should probably make it feel like a compilation. It doesn’t. Each vocalist brings something different, but the three voices feel like they belong together. Josh Homme seems to approach each moment from a different angle. He can sound detached, threatening, ridiculous or weirdly tender without losing his identity.

This record is a great example of how different personalities, textures, and ideas can come together without sounding confused, as long as the underlying song holds everything together.

Knobs – YouTube Pedal Reviews (Since 2014 – chosen by Al & Bob)

This man has had more of an impact on our bank balances than we would care to know. Instead of focusing on function and answering: ‘how much is it and what does it do?’, Knobs [Scott Harper] presents weird and wonderful boutique pedals with a series of textures, soundscapes and happy accidents that make you wonder what you could be inspired to create. “How much is it?” becomes completely irrelevant. 

Without Knobs, I’m not sure we would ever have found the Montreal Assembly Count To 5, Earthquaker Data Corrupter or countless other pedals that have shaped the sound of Descents. Or if we had found them, we wouldn’t have had the confidence to buy them and perseverance to play with them until we found just the right happy accident.

Verse Metrics’ debut Descents was released on July 28, 2026, and can be streamed and purchased here on Bandcamp.

See them live:

  • August 14, 2026 – The Hug and Pint, Glasgow
  • October 3, 2026 – Oslo, London

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