Abdominal @ NXNE 2007

Background/Composition: Hip-hopper and DJ duo throwing down beats in tandem.

Grade: 83

Comment: Even the hip-hop haters have to admit that Toronto puts out some talented wordsmiths, and Abdominal's definitely in the mix.

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: E
Image: S
Appearance: S
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Unhindered by any instrument, Abdominal made sure to keep on moving, pacing back and forth and throwing big ups to the medium-sized crowd. There was even a clever cell-phone stunt to introduce one of the songs, showing that Abdominal's put plenty of thought into his stage show as well, even if his appearance was pretty nonchalant.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: It's still weird to see a DJ working behind an iBook, but that's a sign of the times right there. The pair played well off each other, both musically and in the banter between, so much so that it was hard to tell if the entire thing was real or a rehearsed act. What was definitely genuine, though, was the smooth flow between songs and the strong thumping bass beats. Still needed a touch more of oldskool, though -- maybe a breakdancing dude in the front?

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: First off, props to these two for going balls-out in a genre widely ignored in the Canadian music universe. Although there were no songs about bitches and hos (or being shot half a dozen times), Abdominal did manage to get the entire audience to yell various profanities along with him -- classy. (Plus you gotta respect an artist namechecking Facebook in a song during a MySpace-sponsored showcase.)