Republic Of Safety @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Background/Composition: Two guys and two girls playing jerky, theatrical punk with a healthy dose of humour.

Grade: 92

Comment: These guys were a scream, with frontwoman Maggie Macdonald ably leading them through a set that was as much about comedy as it was about music. They began by asking the crowd to create a movie in their head while the music was playing, but few movies could be as entertaining as watching Macdonald and her band thrash around the stage.

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: E
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  Macdonald engaged the crowd almost every time the music stopped, frequently bragging about her band's ability to rock. Her stream-of-consciousness rants earned laughs throughout the night, especially when she uttered the line "You may be Theory Of A Deadman, but we are practicers of the dead man." This hilarious nonsense was supported by comic interruptions from spazzy drummer Evan Davies.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization:G
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: G
Songs: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  Republic Of Safety don't so much play songs as use them to pound the audience into submission. When Macdonald screams, "We're gonna rip you apart," you get the sense that she means it. Their tunes are cathartic anthems that are fun to listen to and look like they're even more fun to play.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: E
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  Republic Of Safety operate under a clever construct that they're a sovereign nation with no law other than to rock. This conceit allows for quality comedy and banter, but it does get a little worn out by the end of a show. Slightly less talk to go with the rock might make them even better.