Plants And Animals @ CMW 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: This Montreal trio have been gaining piles of momentum since the release of their With/Avec EP last fall. Their recently released Parc Avenue full-length quickly put them on the international map.

Grade: 94

Comment: I saw six bands on Thursday night and only one who could positively make it to the next level. Plants And Animals, come claim your prize. (It's a never-ending touring schedule! Yay!)

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Warren Spice, Matthew Woodley and Nic Basque had one thing that all the bands who came before them on Thursday didn't: stage presence in spades. Their set-up, which had Spicer and Woodley flanking Basque's drum set, all at the front of the stage, gave their performance a feeling of intimacy even as their sound blew through the room. The trio didn't talk much, but their songs oddly felt so conversational that it was hardly necessary.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The only hitch in Plants & Animals' march to international success might be their music. It's catchy (the crowd spontaneously started singing along to one chorus) and fairly excellent, but it's hardly unique. I could pinpoint about four different bands they kind of sounded like, ranging from Sunset Rubdown to Kings Of Leon. I think it's their likeable appearance and dynamic performance that will allow Plants And Animals to break through to the masses.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Spicer frequently cracked up while he was singing, which was a fun touch to an already boisterous set. The trio had such a palpable on-stage chemistry that it was impossible not to get caught up in their energy. Plants And Animals were also the only band of the night who left me — and I think most of the crowd — legitimately wanting more.