Cuff The Duke @ NXNE 2003

Hometown: Oshawa, ON

Background/Composition:
Oshawa-based quartet Cuff The Duke blend neo-psychedelic sound treatments with a strong dose of country and cow-punk. They've released their debut album, Life Stories For Minimum Wage, on reputable indie Three Gut Records and have found a strong following in the Greater Toronto area.

Comment:
No one could ever accuse Cuff The Duke of lacking ambition. Their set ran through a gamut of sounds, from punkish bluegrass to Procol Harem-like psychedelia to shoegazer noise. That said, the band seem to have a bit of an identity crisis.

Achievement of Hip-hop 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 hip-hop standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches hip-hop 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:75

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

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact:G
Pronunciation:G
Stage Presence:G
Stage Banter:G
Image:G
Appearance:G
Use Of Stage:G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The band was in familiar territory on the Horseshoe stage and definitely looked comfortable and confident. The audience was demonstrating lots of love and respect for one of their own.

Musical Analysis
Cooperation With Others: G
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving:G
Teamwork:G
Work Habits:G
Organization:S
Audience Participation: G
Sound:S
Composition:S
Songs:S
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The musicianship was competent, but there was far too much variety in the set. It was like three or four different personalities came out during the set. Are they cow-punk, or old-school country, or neo-psychedelic roots rockers?

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma:G
Problem Solving:G
Teamwork:G
Sexiness:G
Haircut:G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposable Fashion: G
Cool Equipment:G
Level Of Inebriation: N
Actual Ability:G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Cuff The Duke are the type of band that will find a limited, albeit faithful audience to run with their ever-changing moods. Perhaps this is all they want. If, however, they want to reach out to a wider audience, they'd be wise to stick with the countrified psychedelia.T