Modern Superstitions @ CMW 2011

Mar 11, 2011

by CHARTattack Robot

Background/Composition:
Toronto’s Modern Superstitions have toured with the likes of Jay Reatard and Sloan, and released their All The Things We’ve Been Told debut EP last year. It was produced by Sloan’s Patrick Pentland. The band have been compared to the likes of Blondie and Pretenders, largely because of their ’80s image and singer Nyssa Rosaleen.  

Grade: 70  

Comment:
This band have got the chops and tunes to be big — they just need to work on a few things to get there first.   

Achievement of Rock ‘n’ Roll Expectations
 80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
 70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock ‘n’ roll standard.  
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock ‘n’ roll standard.
 50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.  
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

  Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: N 
Pronunciation: E 
Stage Presence: S
 Stage Banter: S
 Image: G 
Appearance: G
 Use Of Stage: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Modern Superstitions might have performed with some pretty big name acts, but they’re still youngsters literally and in terms of being on the scene. They’re still honing their sound and live performances, and it shows.

That said, being the first band on a lengthy bill is always pretty nervewracking, so it might not be that weird that they only acknowledged the crowd twice. They’ll need to get better with audience participation if they want to progress to the next level as a band, though.

Musical Analysis 
Level Of Participation: E 
Problem Solving: N/A 
Teamwork: G 
Work Habits: G 
Organization: G
 Audience Participation: N
Sound: G 
Composition: G 
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
While Modern Superstitions showed pretty impressive live chops, they didn’t seem that engaged with each other. Their performance seemed pretty detached, as if they were just kind of going through the motions. Again, that might have been because of the (relatively) sparse crowd, but to set yourselves apart during CMW, you have to prove you’re into performing no matter how many people are taking in your set.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
 Problem Solving: N/A
Teamwork: G 
Sexiness: E
Haircut: G 
Indie Rock Footwear: G 
Nods To Disposable Fashion: E 
Cool Equipment: S 
Level Of Inebriation: G
 Actual Ability: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Rosaleen rocked an ’80s-style short skirt and pretty disposable (but awesome) jacket with tassels. It also doesn’t hurt that she’s, well, gorgeous.

Guitarist Matthew Aldred looked every bit the ’50s debonaire gentleman mixed with kitschy ’80s glitz — he was rocking a pretty stylish pompadour and (what was nearly) a suit with awesome gentleman’s boots.

This band look and sound great live — they just need to work on their stage show. Luckily, they’ve got the seasoned veterans in Sloan to help them out.

Modern Superstitions @ CMW 2011

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