Sylvie @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Regina, SK

Background/Composition: Loud indie-rock quartet with husband-wife vocals and driving, mathematical, post-punk swirls and soars.

Grade: 81

Comment: I never listened to Despistado, but if they sounded like this, I can see what the buzz (and disappointment) was about. From the first song, the band kicked things into overdrive and ripped through the rest of their set, offering indie hallmarks as boy/girl vocals, social criticism, knob-twisting and ever-swirling guitars. The crowd danced throughout since it was hard not to.

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: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  Sylvie let their music be their stage presence. Banter started out well (frontman Joel Passmore apologizing for a last-second pee break, Riva Farrell Racette recounting a skunk encounter), but Passmore's musing that we all "come from Regina" (and the quick apology thereafter) was perhaps the line of the night.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: G
Organization: G
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Layered and tight (with some particularly nice bass grooves), Sylvie did not disappoint. Unlike other post-punk bands, their songs actually feel like songs, with the choruses and everything. Knowing they've been around for more than a half-decade explains how seamlessly they interact and play off (and between) each other.

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: The band also brought a sizeable sign on stage with them, which clearly read "Sylvie." At least three different people around me asked their friends, "What's the name of the band?" Sigh.