Die Mannequin @ NXNE 2007

The Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto, ON

on Jun 8 2007

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

06/09/2007 12:30pm

Background/Composition: A hardcore three-piece fronted by a woman whose name suggests she either had a rough upbringing, or has given up on humanity. Their website is howtokill.us, a name that becomes less confusing when the trio hit the stage.

Grade: 85

Comment: This was quite simply the loudest performance I have ever witnessed. I had to leave the front of the bar after two songs. "Don't worry about it going into the red," Care Failure told the sound guy during set-up. "It'll always go into the red." If nothing else, Die Mannequin are entertaining because of their love to inflict punishment on their fans.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: There were three musicians on stage, but the Die Mannequin live show is really all about Care Failure, who proved herself to be both a skilled musician and a confident performer. It seemed nearly impossible that two guitars could create that level of sound. For once, I didn't frown upon audience members that opted for earplugs.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: During a significant portion of the show, the vocals were completely drowned out by the wall of noise they were creating, but no one seemed to mind. It's likely that the masochists that were in the front row were hearing buzzing the next morning.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Could Care Failure's shorts have been any shorter? She may as well just write "Sex" across the front of her shirt because she oozes appeal. And when she crawled across the stage while playing guitar. . . I've said too much.