Woodhands @ CMW 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: This Toronto duo (and CMW EYE Weekly cover boys) have captured an electronic sound that's perfectly of this moment and will start your party at the drop of a hat.

Grade: 93

Comment: This was just one of those sets where everything felt right. The sound mix was generally on, and Dan Werb and drummer Paul Banwatt were so fired up that it was impossible not to latch on to their enthusiasm. This performance capped what was already a very fun night of music.

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: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Werb is a techy super-nerd who also happens to be a stellar frontman because he performs at full volume and energy. He looks like a skinnier version of Steven Page, but has found a way to emulate LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy in more ways than one. Banwatt's cool, gleeful accompaniment on drums was the perfect complement to Werb's spastic rocking out. Both members lamented setting up on far opposite sides of the stage, but it actually helped to make them seem bigger than a two-piece act.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Playing much of their upcoming Paper Bag debut, Heart Attack, Woodhands had a dance party in effect from the opening synth lines of the set. As great as Werb was as the energetic frontman, his work as sound manipulator was just as impressive. He worked synths, drums machines, a vocoder (that didn't seem to function properly until late in the set) and a keytar — yes, a keytar.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
By the end, Werb was a hilarious, sweaty mess. It's worth noting that some electronic bands can't rise above their novelty status (Canned Hamm, Ghostland Observatory), but Woodhands aren't one of them. I expect their debut to make me like their songs better live and vice versa, and I'd happily sit — or rather bounce — through another performance. P.S. I'd give them an E+ for Cool Equipment, but I think it would screw up the table on the left.