Mad Ones @ CMW 2011

Background/Composition:
This Toronto guitar and drums duo consist of Andrew DeVillers on the axe and Phil Wilson on the tubs. DeVillers also plays acoustic solo gigs, but don’t let that fool you; Mad Ones live up to their name live and DeVillers can fucking SHRED that guitar.

Grade: 82

Comment:
Were these guys the best duo playing CMW this year? Just maybe.  

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: G
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: S
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Did Mad Ones need to constantly say who they were all the time between sets? Nope. Their tunes were sometimes less-than-two-minute blasts of frenetic energy that would have made Death From Above 1979 insanely jealous.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Imagine DFA 1979 with Jesse Keeler doing vocals instead of Sebastien Grainger and using a guitar in lieu of a bass and you’ve basically got Mad Ones. Does that mean they suck are are derivative? Hell fucking no. Is it possible for just two people to tear up an entire stage? Hell fucking yes.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
DeVillers wore a tank top that said “Industry People Are Shady.” His hair was cut in an “I don’t give a shit” manner and his jeans were fraying all over the place. Wilson was wearing a Metz shirt, and it’s only a matter of time before these guys are as hyped as that band.

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