Sebastien Grainger Et Les Montagnes @ NXNE 2007

Background/Composition: The pressure's on, that's for sure. Grainger's former bandmate Jesse Keeler has already found success with MSTRKRFT. Backing band in tow, it was Grainger's turn to prove there's life after Death From Above 1979.

Grade: 90

Comment: While Grainger and company were on stage waiting for CBC Radio to go live, they broke into a cover of the Spin Doctors' "Two Princes." It was ridiculous, embarrassing and exciting all at the same time. When it finally came time to present his much anticipated material it was, thankfully, nothing like '90s wuss rock.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Grainger and his Montagnes were able to create a surprising level of volume for a three-piece band. The former DFA 1979 man is definitely a commanding stage presence. He went on a swearing tirade at one point, presumably in an effort to piss off CBC brass.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: I was worried that after spending all of that time holed up in his home creating his so-called solo disc, Grainger would emerge with introspective acoustic material, but that couldn't have been farther from the truth. Grainger's new songs rock just as hard as anything that Death From Above produced. Also, Grainger took an exciting trip down memory lane at the end of the set when he performed the band's final song behind the drum kit.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: The candy-striped suspenders and fedora were a little too kitschy to be cool. Grainger also needs to experiment with shirt fabrics to find one that he won't sweat through by the second song.