The Hylozoists @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Background/Composition: A dreamy, orchestral ensemble with vibraphone serving as the main instrument.

Grade: 95

Comment: Beautiful, joyful, utterly unique and uplifting.

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: S
Pronounciation: G
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: S
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: The group eschewed their past tradition of dressing all in white in favour of dark suits and white shirts. Given the number of members and instruments, not to mention the unwieldy nature of the vibraphone, it was impressive that they were able to set up so fast. There was a big crowd who had assembled for the buzz, and stayed because they're more than worthy of it. Banter was minimal, but appreciative, and ringleader Paul Aucoin prefered to let other members do the talking while he led each tune with the grace of a classical conductor.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:  The Hylozoists are something of a supergroup. In addition to multitasker Aucoin, they also feature Cuff The Duke's Paul Lowman and Wayne Petti, Nathan Lawr, Jason Tait, and Jason Ball, amongst others. Two vibraphones, bells, two drum kits, a fiddle, organ/keys, bass and guitar all worked together to create songs gentle as lullabies or building up into a psychedelic dreamscape cacophony. Sometimes there would be three people on the vibes at once, sticks flying so fast they became a blur. The final song had a crashing climax underscored by vocals by Petti.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: S
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:  It's pretty amazing to see Aucoin take an instrument like the vibraphone out from the sidelines and place it up front and centre. It takes an incredible amount of teamwork and solid musicianship to pull off a project of this complexity, and The Hylozoists team did it beautifully. Gorgeous stuff.