Elliott Brood @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario V

Background/Composition: Death country trio bring the banjo-fuelled songs of murder, desperation and homesickness.

Grade: 84

Comment: The darker Johnny Cash/countrified Nick Cave references seem to trite to make. Besides, Elliott Brood's performance went far beyond a couple of bluegrassy death songs — they're no gimmick, this is the real thing.

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: G
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: G
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Too often, the drumkit is shoved at the back and the person hitting the skins only visible to those in the front row. Elliott Brood rectified this, keeping all three players front and centre. This way, everyone could see just how good each player is.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E 
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: G
Organization: G
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Elliott Brood were locked in step with each other (not only instrumentally — some nice harmonies fleshed out a few songs) and the frontman's rye-soaked and blade-shredded delivery was the perfect storytelling voice. Before one song, he apologized for his hangover-induced hoarseness. Although maybe it's not the alcohol affecting his pipes given, not two minutes later, he let out a shriek like the ghost of a murdered saloon girl.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Two-thirds of the trio were sporting formal wear (in shrinking amounts, as the set wore on), which earned high marks for presentation. The drummer is forgiven for his more casual ensemble, given he had the intestinal fortitude to wear a jacket for the first few songs despite the packed Horseshoe crowd and gross body heat. Swinging around a red light was a nice touch, if over my head.