Les Breastfeeders @ CMW 2007

The Silver Dollar

Toronto, ON

on Mar 8 2007

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

03/09/2007 4:30pm

Background/Composition: With the recent success of Malajube, the time is right for another French band to break out of the Quebec scene, and this is the group who'll most likely pull it off. They're perhaps the only band in Canada who sport a full-time tambourinist, and it's a necessary part of their fun, hook-laden and energetic pop.

Grade: 95

Comment: It's unlikely that Canadian Music Week will see many better performances. Les Breastfeeders are obviously a band at the top of their game. Everything was working for them on this night, and even the antics of a shirtless and hairy tambourinist couldn't put a damper on the show. The lyrics were in French, but no one seemed to care.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: The group know how to work their audience. They were all smiles and were obviously having the time of their lives. Johnny Malador was bouncing all over the stage shaking his tambourine and climbing on anything that might support his weight. The crowd ate it up.

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/NextStep: "We don't speak English," Luc Brien shouted to the crowd, "but we're debonaire!" He was oh so right. Their pop was infectious and had everyone jumping up and down. It was pure magic when Suzie McLelove took over on the mic for two songs.

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: G
Level Of Inebriation: E
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Only Ontario natives might understand what this means, but Les Breastfeeders are unmistakingly Quebecois. Their outfits were a little garish, but it looked perfect and their wardrobe fit their personality to a tee. Things got a little creepy when Malador disrobed, but a naked hairy chest isn't much worse than the furry white vest he started the night with.