Full White Drag @ NXNE 2003

Hometown: Windsor, ON

Background/Composition: With a voice eerily reminiscent of Girls Vs. Boys and the guitar-rock savvy of Silkworm, this quartet are totally edgy rock 'n' roll gangbusters.

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: 92

Comment:
The power and intensity of the dual guitar attack and singer Dave Mueller's voice hit "11" from their first piercing guitar chord. The addition of crude '70s-era noise generation synthesizers counter-pointed the immense guitar wash of sound.

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

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact:G
Pronunciation:G
Stage Presence:E
Stage Banter:G
Image:G
Appearance:E
Use Of Stage:E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  Mueller, though at times showing an unusual affection for his Fender Jazzmaster, did make two forays in front of the monitors to leer out at the enthusiastic crowd.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving:E
Teamwork:E
Work Habits:E
Organization:E
Audience Participation: E
Sound:E
Composition:E
Songs:E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  Though their stage show was quite frenetic, Full White Drag's chaotic intensity on stage didn't seem either contrived nor did it take away from the band's stellar sound. The band's rhythm section held the off-kilter noise of R. Mathew Fields' weird electronic contraption in a steady sonic course.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma:E
Problem Solving:E
Teamwork:E
Sexiness:G
Haircut:G
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposable Fashion: E
Cool Equipment:E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability:E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Full White Drag could and will easily kick the crap out of any of those popular Toronto indie rock wannabes. Though the band played with intensity and pure honesty, it's too bad that they had to play to a smaller crowds while idiots lined up outside for crowded glimpses at media-saturated bands at The Rivoli and the Horseshoe. Long Live FWD.