Adam Franklin @ NXNE 2003

Lee's Palace

Toronto, ON

on Jun 6 2003

Darrin Keene (CHARTattack)

06/09/2003 2:30pm

Hometown: London, England

Background/Composition: The former Swervedriver frontman is now showing his softer side as Toshack Highway, albeit still in a shoegaze mode.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations 80-100: Band exceeds skill and knowledge expectations. Rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Band achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Band demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
Below 50: Band has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Grade:65

Comment:
To say that Franklin's current live sound is scaled down is an understatement. Slow, meandering and sparse melodies were the order of the day.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact:G
Pronunciation:G
Stage Presence:S
Stage Banter:G
Image:S
Appearance:S
Use Of Stage:S
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  Honestly, this was the type of fare more suited for a cafe than a rock venue. Franklin clearly had his followers in the crowd, but even most old Swervedriver fans would have trouble relating to in his current solo mode.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving:G
Teamwork:S
Work Habits:G
Organization:N
Audience Participation: G
Sound:N Composition:N
Songs:N
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  It was a trying set of sparse, skeletal tunes played at the pace of a snail on valium. Franklin ran through a few tunes solo with guitar, then moved to a guitar/drum set-up. A bass, another guitar, perhaps some keyboards and layers upon layers of effects would've helped propel these dismal ditties up a notch or two.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma:S
Problem Solving:G
Teamwork:N
Sexiness:N
Haircut:N
Indie Rock Footwear: N
Nods To Disposable Fashion: N
Cool Equipment:S
Level Of Inebriation: N
Actual Ability:S
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  Further proof that shoegazers are really nothing without the sound and fury of a good effects rack.