Geronimo @ NXNE 2007

The Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto, ON

on Jun 8 2007

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

06/09/2007 12:30pm

Background/Composition: Geronimo have been together a relatively short period of time; they formed out of the ashes of post-punk outfit Despistado.

Grade: 74

Comment: Geronimo looked rather country as they took to the stage, sporting tight button-up shirts and even tighter jeans. But it turns out they're a straight-up pop-rock four-piece. It was evident that all of the band members were skilled musicians, but their set didn't leave much of an impression. They're in need of some sort of gimmick that will make them stand out.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: It's a lonely life, that of a drummer. Geronimo's percussion man was sitting at his kit for a good five minutes before the other band members took to the stage. Let's hope they were at least doing something worthwhile — finishing beers or hitting on groupies. Once the set began, it was evident that these were all very friendly lads and they enjoyed chatting with the crowd.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: There's a certain fullness that a performance gains with the addition of extra guitars. At three axes strong, plus bass, Geronimo's sound was definitely on the epic side. As a side-effect though, their vocals tended to be completely drowned out. Part-way through the set, the lead vocalist broked a string, but within 30 seconds he had a new guitar out and tuned.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Their image could use a bit of a polish, as nothing about these guys really stood out. Shouts of "Regina rocks!" and "Go 'Riders" kept emerging from the crowd, suggesting that a majority of the onlookers were their friends.