The Meligrove Band @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Background/Composition: Power-pop band from the 'burbs recently released grand pop rock record, Planets Conspire. Sorry CMW suits; they're already signed to V2.

Grade: 95

Comment: The Meligroves bookended their lush new material with older songs, which fit in nicely with the blazing set of infectious, ba-ba-ba melodies and clenched-tight garage pop. They brought pals to sing back-ups, play violin and perform gleeful group whistling.

Achievement of Rock 'n' RollExpectations
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: Demonstratessome 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: G
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:  A three-man front line looks really good, while lead singer Jason Nunes sometimes sat at the keyboards. My friend thought he played like Kermit the Frog (a compliment, I can assure you). Meanwhile the appearance of guests to round out the sound made it looks like a party. Drummer Darcy Rego was so chatty, he even helped promote G N' R's long-awaited Chinese Democracy.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization:E
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:  They didn't play anything from Planets Conspire until three songs in, but when they did, things blasted off. Displaying three-way '70s pop harmonies and heart-baring rockers, the Meligroves turn emo into enormo with their piano-thumping, trumpet-and-strings-decorated scorchers.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Nerdy glasses, scarves, shiny hair, pullover vest — it's an emo dream without sounding emo, which is brilliant. Feedback marred the whistling sequence, but they soldiered on and followed-up with an apology. Bonus points for shattering a tambourine.