Two Hours Traffic @ CMW 2007

The Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto, ON

on Mar 10 2007

David Missio (CHARTattack)

03/12/2007 1:00pm

Background/Composition: Thanks in part to fellow East-Coaster Joel Plaskett, the youthful boys in Two Hours Traffic seem to have a green light. Part-Sloan, part-not, Two Hours Traffic chug along with catchy "ooh oohs," sharp hooks and just a little bit of twang. Two Hours Traffic are most definitely a band to keep an eye on.

Grade: 89

Comment: Two Hours Traffic's catchy hook-laden songs are bound to find a very comfortable niche both out east and across the country. They're young, surrounded by excellent musicians (Plaskett, Wintersleep, In-Flight Safety) and have nowhere to go but up.

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: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Though it's probably safe to say that some people might be put off by THT's nonchalance while playing to a screaming horde, it almost seems part of their charm. They're a bit awkward, sometimes briefly over-confident, and it adds to their overall stage presence.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Sweet, toe-tapping melodies combined with their blase approach and surprisingly interesting songs make the band intriguing. They haven't quite hit it just yet, but they're getting closer and it'll happen soon.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: It definitely helps when your set starts off when the owner of the venue you're playing at introduces you, shamelessly singing your praises. Only one act got such a brown-nosed introduction, which was so flattering it was almost embarrassing. Imagine, being 21 and having the owner of the Horseshoe Tavern call your band the next big thing at Canadian Music Week to a bunch of industry types. Now imagine backing it up. After an impossible build, Two Hours Traffic fully exceeded our expectations.