Bel Riose @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Vancouver, BC

Background/Composition: A two-piece drum and bass duo playing an impossibly full pop sound. Plus, they're brothers, how adorable is that?

Grade: 72

Comment:Automatic comparisons to Death From Above aside, Bel Riose makes the most of an acoustic bass and its wide range of tones, most of which are nullified by a standard distortion pedal. Filled out admirably with some impressive fills and above standard drumming, the brothers are still left in want of some additional sounds to properly flesh out their songs. DFA is a band, Bel Riose only seems like half of one at times.

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: E
Stage Banter: S
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Though an unfortunately sparse crowd met the duo, they performed admirably, doing what they could do fill the stage and draw us in. They had a "cute boy" thing going on that just made you want to "aww." Until they mentioned Nickleback one too many times. Which is one.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: G
Songs: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: When Bel Riose would take a breather and allow themselves to prove their musical abilities, it was an impressive display of what two instruments could do. Then they'd get a bit emo-rock on us and hammer out some predictable power chords.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: S Actual Ability: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Apparently these guys actually had extra instrumentation on their album, and it's fairly obvious why. Unlike some other stripped-down-sound duos, Bel Riose are begging for a fuller sound than a couple of pedals and bass chords can produce. Excellent haircut on that lead singer though.