Marianas Trench @ NXNE 2002

Tequila Lounge

Toronto, ON

on Jun 6 2008

Keith Carman (CHARTattack)

06/07/2002 2:30pm

Hometown: Vancouver, BC

Background/Composition:
"Melodic" boy band that actually know how to play their instruments.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Band exceeds skill and knowledge expectations. Rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Band achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Band demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
Below 50: Band has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Grade: 75

Comment:
Although I never thought I'd see the day when a dude who looked like Todd Kerns fronted a boy band with his James Hetfield-ish guitar wanking away, at least they did it earnestly and with enthusiasm.

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

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
They were trying too hard. Caught up in the hype, this five-piece seemed to be giving it all they had, but it was in the hopes of getting signed (Ha! What do they think this is? A music festival?), as opposed to actually making the crowd like them. Nervous tension was obvious as they moved awkwardly about the stage when they moved. Still, they're fuckin' pretty, so you know they score with the ladies!

Musical Analysis
Cooperation With Others: G
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving:G
Teamwork:G
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: G
Sound: G
Composition: E
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Extremely tight musically, these boys managed to pull off an acapella song that was solid. Still, after kickin' out some pretty powerful chords, this display of vocal technique sent their inertia down the shitter. The crowd was duly impressed by their abilities, but it was like throwing a stick in someone's bike spokes. Work the crowd, boys. Don't jerk 'em.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It's extremely obvious that Marianas Trench put a lot of work into their riffy pop music. But their lack of direction is more than frustrating. Either be a boy band, a pop band or a punk band, but don't try to meld the styles if you don't understand all of them. Emo-boy singing over crunchy riffs worthy of a Third Eye Blind album are initially impressive, but I don't recall one major hook. Sad really, 'cause they had more heart than most jaded bands do at this kind of event.