Background/Composition:
Former Miracle Fortress member Adam Waito fronts this Montreal chamber pop collective, whose membership previously included Luyas frontwoman Jessie Stein and members of bands like The Acorn, Attack In Black and Code Pie. Their Amethyst Amulet debut album came out in 2008 and they’ve finished recording their Flickering Flashlight sophomore LP.
Grade: 77
Comment:
Multi-instrumentalist Scott Johnson Gailey and spent the night switching between bass and drums with Jordon Robson-Cramer of Sunset Rubdown, while Rebecca Lessard alternated between cello and keyboards.
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: G
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: S
Stage Banter: S
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It’s a wee bit hard to move around on stage with a cello, but the band could have engaged their audience a little more. That said, it was an early set (9 p.m.) and there were only about 30 people at The Drake at this point.
Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: N/A
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: N
Sound: E
Composition: G
Songs: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Robson-Cramer and Waito looked every bit the part of struggling indie pop musicians in with their ripped jeans and fraying Converse All Stars. Lessard played the part of artsy music nerd with patterned leggings.
Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
Problem Solving: N/A
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The band’s new tunes seem a little bit too sad bastard-ish in comparison to the tracks on their debut album, which was full of gleeful songs like “Stupid Ocean.” While it’s certainly interesting to hear them emote on the sad parts of life, this set nearly ended up being a downer.
- Rich Aucoin @ CMW 2011
- Zeus @ CMW 2011
- Still Life Still @ CMW 2011
- Modern Superstitions @ CMW 2011
- Adam & The Amethysts @ NXNE 2008
