Marianas Trench @ NXNE 2006

Clinton's

on Jun 8 2006

Cameron Gordon (CHARTattack)

06/09/2006 10:30am

Hometown: Vancouver,BC

Background/Composition: Mixing modern rock with a strange affection for vocal harmonies and some wacky stage banter for good measure, Marianas Trench are a radio-ready outfit witha solid stage show and a more-than-slight set ofchops. The quartet seem primed for breakout success, especially with the folks at Chad Kroeger's 604 Records backing the cause.

Grade: 84

Comment: There is no question these dudes can play. From their loudmouth frontman, Josh Ramsay, to the fella with the #36 jersey, the stage show of Marianas Trench is a well-oiled machine,designed to rock hard yet not offend. Some members sport flying vee guitars, others strike a typical rock'n' roll poses or skulk in the shadows. The combination seems to work andthe boys do it up proper with enough charm to win over the most hardened crowd members.

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: G
Stage Banter: G
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  As mentioned, vocalist Josh Ramsay took control early and often, whether it was through his band's alt-rock salvos or his between song filler that, at times, stole from the Andy Kaufmann playbook. The rest of the band chipped in with some damn fine vocal harmonies, a rarity for a band trying to rock so hard. One tune was done entirely a capella and even a dirge-y version of the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations" featured some aural teamwork that would have made Brian Wilson take notice.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: G
Organization: E
Audience Participation: S
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  By the number of barely legal dames up front, it was quite obvious from the start that Marianas Trench hold strong appeal for the fairer sex. And why not? There's no denying that these are some good lookin' young rockers, and while they don't play up the sexy on-stage, there does seem to be a certain degree of sex appeal oozing out of these stud muffins. The curse of being a hunk, I s'pose. And how does this relate to the tunes? Well, the music supports the looks and vice versa. Much like Fall Out Boy, Simple Plan and others, these songs definitely have a younger demographic in mind and in that sense, Marianas Trench succeed.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: E
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: S
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  With the possible exception of a few failed attempts to hype the crowd, Marianas Trench seem very comfortable on stage and convey the confidence of a band 1.2 times their senior. Admittedly, this type of music has been done 10,000 times over in the past 10 years, but Marianas Trench provide a level of energy, enthusiasm and heart that deserves notice.