We Are The Take @ CMW 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: We Are The Take are your typical indie pop-rock band, yet they're not. If you actually listen to them instead of hanging out and chatting at the back bar, you'll notice their perfectly blended harmonies and their catchy hooks. The Toronto quartet are like that mysterious bookish kid who eats lunch alone: You've got to dig a little deeper to see what they're all about.

Grade: 85

Comment: I've seen We Are The Take open for someone else before — who escapes me now — and they've definitely improved by leaps and bounds. In fact, like the kid who lost weight over the summer, I didn't even recognize them at first. We Are The Take really took it to the next level. A perfect way to start the night.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Subtlety is key for We Are The Take. Nothing they did was over the top, but everything they did was right. They weren't so keen as to ask for extra work, but they completed all of their tasks well and handed them in on time. Usually we don't encourage this, but in the school of rock, a little more chatter would be nice.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
We Are The Take are the kings of cohesiveness. They run like a well-oiled machine, which makes their songs pleasing to the ear. Erik Alcock and Craig Stickland's voices blend like they were meant to be one, just like that perfect couple you thought would never break up.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
If you ever want a good show with some catchy indie pop-rock songs, you can count on We Are The Take. Never missing a beat, the foursome is as reliable as the science nerd who let you copy his notes. But don't think they're boring. They definitely still know how to rock.