The Two Koreas @ NXNE 2006

Silver Dollar

Toronto, ON

on Jun 8 2006

Amanda Factor (CHARTattack)

06/09/2006 10:30am

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Background/Composition: Composed almost entirely of Toronto-based music writers, this act shatter the common theory that those that can't play music write music reviews.

Grade: 90

Comment:Lots of steady gigging has helped the Koreas move past their "Fall cover band" tag. They've written new tunes and seem to be fast approaching seasoned musician status. The Two Koreas may be a "music critic band," but they're hardly a novelty or joke.
Achievement of Rock 'n' RollExpectations
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: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  Their lineup was pared down and their songs seemed to be sped up and not as artfully delivered as in previous shows. The whole thing verged on being sloppy, but probably has more to do with the Two Koreas' solid footing in the Toronto music scene and the fact that they don't really need to prove themselves.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  Stuart Berman is a born frontman who's been quietly hiding behind his bylines at a free Toronto rag for too long. Only now, he's not concentrating so much on channelling Mark E. Smith and just being himself.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: S
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: E
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: The Two Koreas win the prize for most pair of white shoes, and it goes without saying that they have quite possibility the best band name in Toronto.