The Remains Of Brian Borcherdt @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

Background/Composition: Also part of Toronto's Holy Fuck, The Remains Of Brian Borcherdt present quiet and intense electric guitar solo pop.

Grade: 70

Comment: Standing alone on stage, without the help of his Remains, Borcherdt presented a quiet musical story telling session. Sometimes serious, at others, light and quirky, he doesn't want to known as a hippie with a guitar, but without his band he rides a fine line between that and a hard rocker gone soft.

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: S
Stage Banter: S
Image: S
Appearance: S
Use Of Stage: N
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Borcherdt's sang so clearly you could hear every word and breath as his voice filled the room. The song were non-traditional rock lullabies that never sounded pretentious.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: N
Work Habits: N
Organization:E
Audience Participation: N
Sound: E
Composition: G
Songs: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Borcherdt kind of looks like the remains of Kurt Cobain onstage, but the songs and intensity of his one-man guitar show demonstrated he's nothing like the deceased grunge star. Although the singer/songwriter doesn't have a huge range, he handles his voice and simple guitar strumming nicely. Most songs ended abruptly and suprised the audience. A few climaxed with loud strumming. He seems quite laid back and it was reflected in his playing. On the downside, Borcherdt did an uncomfortable runthrough of Cindy Lauper's"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" to end his 25-minute set.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: N
Haircut: N
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: N
Cool Equipment: N
Level Of Inebriation: N
Actual Ability: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: It was difficult to get a full appreciation for The Remains of Brian Borcherdt without anyone else on stage, but this show provided a glimpse into what the frontman can do on his own. He's a storyteller worth listening to who also has the ability to turn his head away from the mic and still project at the same volume.