Dog Day @ CMW 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: This boy-boy, girl-girl quartet play Smiths-inspired indie rock with hints of both Neil Young and Interpol. Maybe one of the least East Coast-sounding East Coast bands.

Grade: 85

Comment: Chart's Scott Bryson gave Dog Day a five-star review last year. I checked out the disc. It was great. Their songs are really, really good. It's the stage show that needs a little work.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
This category is a bit of a killer for Dog Day (and most of the bands at the Horseshoe on Thursday night). As much as the group were technically sound and very well rehearsed, they barely owned the stage. Frontman Seth Smith looked like he would rather have been anywhere else, and while Nancy Urich and Crystal Thili were (slightly) more enthusiastic, they also seemed a little consumed with the songs and didn't pander much to the crowd.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
I can't stress enough that Dog Day's melodies, Smith's vocals and the band's chemistry are all fantastic. If this report card were a grade based on these things alone, they would have got a 98. But there's obviously a disconnect when the audience's level of enthusiasm stays at a solid 4/10 for your whole set.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Half of Dog Day's image was there — Urich and drummer KC Spidle dressed the part — but Smith and Thili both looked ready for a long day on the couch watching movies and getting high. That's not exactly what you need when you're playing slightly dark yet energetic rock that demands attention. I'm rooting for Dog Day, but they have to figure out the whole "rock show" thing before they have a shot at making it to the next level.