Emily Haines is a very busy woman these days. Even though Montreal native is the lead singer of indie favorite Metric, Haines is taking a short break from the band and releasing her first solo album, Knives Don’t Have Your Back. On the 11-song album, quite a departure from Metric’s chill electronica style, Haines uses a more piano-based, singer/songwriter sound on her new record.

Backed by her band, The Soft Skelton , Haines’ soulful voice is front and center for the introspective and more mellow tracks on the record, such as “Doctor Blind” and “The Maid Needs A Maid.”

Haines’ piano playing is more in the vein of Fiona Apple and the piano work ranges from lush and serene, to haunting as well, so Haines has most ends of the piano spectrum covered on the record. Knives is a well-done record and may surprise fans of Metric with the drastic change in sound. The album has been climbing up the college and indie rock charts, and is starting to garner radio play at various modern rock stations throughout the States.

Haines isn’t wasting any time getting started with touring behind the record after the first of the year. Her club tour begins January 4th in Montreal and runs through January 23rd in Los Angeles. The tour rolls through Detroit on January 11th, where Emily is playing at the Magic Bag in Ferndale.

If you’re a fan of Metric, or just want to check out how Emily does on her own, definitely go check out the upcoming show.

Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton will be playing at the Magic Bag on Thursday, January 11th. Tickets are still available.