October Guard @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Background/Composition: Indie rock with tons of bass.

Grade: 75

Comment: Homegrown indie trio October Guard are arty, whiny and great. The lead singer's voice sounded much like Brian Molko from Placebo and the band connected well together on stage.

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: S
Pronounciation: G
Stage Presence: S
Stage Banter: N
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: October Guard suffered from being the first band of the night, which caused awkward comments from the lead singer. The crowd in turn, felt uneasy as there were moments when it was so quiet that crickets chriped in the back of the bar.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: S
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: G
Organization:G
Audience Participation: S
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Despite their lack of being able to deal with the small audience, October Guard were, from a musical perspective, really good. Their songs were well composed and well performed.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: S
Haircut: S
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: S
Cool Equipment: S
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: The band's "whatever goes" style of biker boots and ripped jeans isn't reflected in their music. They worked hard to produce fantastically orchestrated songs.