The Diableros @ CMW 2006

Hometown:  Toronto, Ontario

Background/Composition: Much buzzed-about indie sextet with synths, Farfisa and songs of love and pain.

Grade: 78

Comment: Bowian post-punk with a mix of tempos -- driving rhythms, shimmering synths, and sing-shout vocals. On the other hand, while the band are certainly intense and focused on their craft, the passion for performance didn't always come across.

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: G
Pronounciation: G
Stage Presence: S
Stage Banter: G
Image: G
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Banter was minimal, as was eye contact. Still, the band seemed to be more lost in the moment than just bored or shy, so points for that. That said, a smile or a locked gaze would've been nice.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: G
Organization: G
Audience Participation: G
Sound: G
Composition: G
Songs: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: The songs occasionally threatened to blur together, but shifting tempos and intensities helped differentiate the pieces. Comparisons to certain Montreal bands are understandable but, at this point, prematurely positive. Diableros certainly possess the raw talent, but they don't yet have the overt ardor to drag the audience into their melodrama.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: E
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: It doesn't take a gearhead to recognize the frontman had a sweet guitary thing. Sexiness gets an "E" because they're all quite pretty, but unfortunately I've completely lied about my "footwear" rating as I couldn't get close enough to the stage to properly ascertain the quality of their shoes. (Hmmm... maybe these report cards ARE a bit superficial.)