Key Witness @ NXNE 2006

Background/Composition: Key Witness is a five-piece that trades in many currencies. Mixing modern rock, country, Phish-esque noodling and ever-so-slight traces of goth, this band is all about contradictions - song to song, and minute to minute. Versatility is the key and, with a violin and occasional harmonica thrown into their atypical guitar/bass/drums lineup, Key Witness can play to awide range of styles and do so with a high degree of skill and proficiency. This is no mean feat in 2006.

Grade: 82

Comment: In some respects, Key Witness' greatest strength, their versatility, is also their greatest weakness. After all, you won't find many bands who can switch from toe-tappin' country to dirge-y, minor key madness in consecutive songs. However, the fact that the Key Witness songbook mines so many styles also makes it seem as if this is a band in search of a sound to call their own. They're a solid band with strong musicianship and strong songwriting, but it'll be hard to remember these guys long-term unless they truly define a single game plan and stick with it.

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: G
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: G
Image: E
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Baggy jeans and dark sunglasses were the order of the day, and an interesting choice considering much of The Comfort Zone is blanketed in black light. Nomatter, Key Witness looked and sounded like musicians, and had the fashion to prove it. Vocalist Joey Manticon sure looks like that freckly dude from the Odds (at least from a distance), and the rest of the band came combed and coiffed for the occasion.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E 
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: E
Organization: G
Audience Participation: S
Sound: G
Composition: E
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: When trying to define Key Market's sound, the best comparison that can be made is the more dissonant moments of the Blue Rodeo catalogue. There's alot of country at the root of these songs, with added subtext drawn from other genres and styles. Luckily, these are some A-class players, so they definitely have the skills to match their ambition, especially lead guitarist Stefen Dragon, who was given ample opportunity to flaunt his manual dexterity up and down the frets.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Key Market seems like a band that would have been huge in the 1990s. They could have slotted innicely amongst the Lemonheads and Soul Asylum and Buffalo Tom, and done quite well for themselves. Luckily, the '90s revalidation must be right around the corner and, considering how talented these guys are at what they do, there should be a chance for them to bump up their stature soon.