The Gin Club @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Brisbane, Australia

Background/Composition: Aussie alt-country/Irish folk-y nine-piece rockabillies.

Grade: 93

Comment:With accordion, cello, bass, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, drums, harmonica and keyboards, this harmonizing ensemble will break your heart with their warm, authentic sounding alt-country folk rock sound.

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: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: N
Image: G
Appearance: S
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: The opening number was a nine-person jamboree, then the band size cut down to three, then to five and back to nine again. This was a musical chairs act with players coming on and off the stage and constantly switching instruments as well. The first five songs were sung by five different singers. They all harmonized beautifully and seemed really at ease, which relaxed the audience atmosphere too. It was like watching a less layered Broken Social Scene on stage. The Gin Club were simply great to observe.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: G
Organization:E
Audience Participation: S
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: The opening song was "Wylde Bitch," where the collective sang with a twang, "wylde bitch, you make my heart itch." Most of the songs were about loss, heartbreak and tradition. Sometimes sounding like southern country, other times like an Irish folk ensemble, these Aussie bandits stole the crowd's hearts as they belted every song like it was their last. Even though their sound isn't new or groundbreaking, it's done well and with heart.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
Problem Solving: S
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: S
Indie Rock Footwear: S
Nods To Disposible Fashion: N
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Adding to the large, loose sound of the usual 10-member band (one of the members was sick and couldn't make it), was a perfectly harmonized whistling session and howling sound effects to add dramatics to the lyrics. This collective sounded like the Australian Band, singing in the bowels of an old ship at sea and were one of the only bands at the showcase to drink a lot on stage.