Wintersleep @ CMW 2006

Hometown:  Halifax, NS

Background/Composition: Atmospheric rock with drawn-out jams from east coast five-piece (and one guest vocalist). Very Pearl Jam-esque but not in the way you think/dread.

Grade: 79

Comment: Too many bands have been deemed "post-Pearl Jam" for invoking Eddie's signature baritone and a slew of anthemic riffs and hooks (usually to less effect than what Vedder & Co. would've achieved). Wintersleep also sound like Pearl Jam, but in a good way. Similar deep, rich vocals, similar tight instrumentation and similar extended instrumentals to shake things up and keep things interesting.

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: E
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Stage banter was fairly minimal, but gets an "E" for proper grammar (i.e. instead of "Hope you're doing good" we got "Hope you're doing well"). The band's stage presence consisted of looking intense, but smiles were cracked here and there.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: G
Organization: G
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Songs were good, but not always songs per se. Much of the music is shifting tempos and melodies, vibey abstract arrangements and indecipherable chants. It worked quite well, with much of the crowd getting into things, but it likely won't be on the radio anytime soon. Not that that's necessarily the end-goal.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: The band brought some sort of light prop to stick in the corner, annexing the stage as their own. Not quite Pink Floyd's inflatable pig or U2's giant lemon, but given the circumstances, it worked. At least two band members were wearing touques — an act of Canadian defiance to be commended, given the high temperatures of the Horseshoe (thank god for the club's overhead fans).