Tele @ NXNE 2006

Clinton's

Toronto, ON

on Jun 8 2006

Cameron Gordon (CHARTattack)

06/09/2006 10:00am

Hometown: Winnipeg,MB

Background/Composition: A new wave-influenced rock band of the highest ordered, Tele might be a crappy name for a band, but the quartet's songs more than make up for it. All pomp and plenty of circumstance, this is modern music for the modern mind. Fashion plays a role and so does aggression. All told, Tele package together a most impressive combination image and artillery.

Grade: 90

Comment: Tele seem destined to become Canada's version of the Killers. They've got the dense, Cure-influenced tunes and tight pants. The only problem is they rock a bit too hard. However, is this even a problem? Of course not! This is just a hard rocking band who happen to include keyboards. Nothing wrong with that. It's healthy and it adds a level of substance that most guitar-based bands could never approximate.

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: G
Image: E
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Eye contact is key and Tele are kings of it. They looked their observers in the face and even as the sweat started to spew, they merely put on their game faces and chugged through. A large keyboard sat stage right, and while the computer screen facing the audience was a wee bit Y2K, it was well justified because the noises coming from their well-coifed keyboard player were simply delightful. And heinous. In terms of clothing, black was the order of the day — it's quite possible they got in touch with Interpol's stylist for this appearance.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: G
Organization: G
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  Tele's music was epic in scope. So much so that it's hard to believe it came from a band with a four-letter moniker. Thick, meaty guitar riffs met up with weirdo keyboard parts, crashing in mid-air and spilling the volume out into the crowd. The guys got thrashy when needed to, and their riffage consistently reached weighty highs and guttural lows.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: E
ActualAbility: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  Even a few knocked-over mic stands couldn't stop the Tele gravy train. Not sure what the future holds for the band, but they seem as likely (and deserved) a success as any other band. Let's just hope the fact that they aren't based in Toronto doesn't hurt them.