Slim Twig @ CMW 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Slim Twig's second performance of the night featured three players, including the keyboardist from Huckleberry Friends and the frontman of relatively unknown Toronto band Young Mother.

Grade: 91

Comment: After Tropics, I was legitimately giddy that Slim Twig was coming back to the stage later in the night. Round two didn't pack the unexpected wallop that came with the Tropics performance, but it was great to see that Twig is as dynamic musically as he is as a performer. This set was less rockabilly, more rock.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
With three other band members on stage, Twig couldn't wheel around with the kind of reckless abandon he displayed during the Tropics set, but even a more restrained performance was full of rock 'n' roll goodness. Having other players often freed Twig to grab the mic and showboat at the front of the stage like a preacher from Hell.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Twig's solo sound was markedly different than the Tropics one. First, by toning down his vocals just a touch, Twig sounded like a note-perfect cross between Wolf Parade's Dan Boeckner and Spencer Krug. Second, a drum machine and synthesizer gave the set a more subdued atmosphere, but Twig's manic presence prevented attention from drifting. And he played a couple of murder ballads that will haunt your dreams. Note to labels and booking agents: SIGN SLIM TWIG IMMEDIATELY.

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: 
I would have liked to throw two 100s at Tropics and Slim Twig, but there's room for improvement in both. If Twig's solo band could just steal Simone TB (note: keep Jesse James Laderoute, just put him on guitar full-time) and some of the songs away from Tropics, I would have had no choice but to give him a 143. Both acts could simply use a little more of each other. That said, I'd see any bill that featured both of them again in a heartbeat. In closing, go see Slim Twig or Tropics at your earliest convenience and fall in love with both acts just as quickly.