Dearly Beloved @ NXNE 2006

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Background/Composition: Rob Higgins leads melodic band of skilled rejects into legs apart, head banging, carefully crafted rock 'n' roll show.

Grade: 90

Comment: Dearly Beloved were gathered in front of the crowd this night to rock and fucking roll, and nothing else. With the help of a female vocalist and a frontman with enough spark to light a fireworks show, this band put on a solid show.

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: S
Image: G
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:  The band all came out dressed in black and had attitude on their faces. The black clothes stayed on but the gloomy faces quickly fell off as DB worshiped their instruments and rocked hard. Despite the heavy riffs, drums and bass, the lyrics and melodies could still be heard clearly.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: G
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E
Composition: G
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: DB have a really raw rock sound onstage, which is a welcome change from the semi-polished production on their new record. Vocals are definitely the highlight, with Higgins and Niva Chow sharing most of the animated growling and yelling duties. The drummer looked a lot like Animal from the Muppets behind the skins. There are no happy power pop songs, but every song jolts the crowd. They aren't gloomy at all.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: N
Cool Equipment: S
Level Of Inebriation: N
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:  The girls standing in the front row were bouncing, screaming and pitching their girliest devil horns. They were obviously familiar with the band and took away from the fist-pumping momentum of the rest of the crowd. Hopefully as DB get bigger they'll attract a more attractive front row.