Hot Panda @ CMW 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: The four-piece from Edmonton bolstered their quirky indie rock with a guest spot from multi-instrumentalist Catherine Hiltz of fellow Edmonton band, Blind Tiger, Tiger. They blew the roof off of Sneaky Dee's.

Grade: 90

Comment:Hot Panda may be unsigned for now, but that won't last long. Their particular brand of off-kilter rock 'n' roll that blends elements of early, pre-Epic Modest Mouse, Talking Heads and, dare I say it, Pavement. Those are somewhat generic touchstones, but all very apt. They've already garnered a heap of accolades out west, and it won't be long before Hot Panda fever reaches the rest of the country.

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/NextStep: 
Lead singer/guitarist Chris Connelly looks like a hybrid of Colin Meloy, Rivers Cuomo and my good friend Paul (who incidentally isn't in a band, but is a pretty rad dude), but Connelly plays with the screeching intensity of someone who wants to make every second count. The band, bedecked in skinny jeans and other appropriately indie garb, gave their all and left it all on the floor. I'm out of overused aphorisms at this point, but damn if Hot Panda didn't put on an amazing show for the few who bothered to show up early. You got the distinct sense that people knew they were witnessing a band on the cusp of blog stardom. Connelly especially should be commended for his rock posturing. It didn't seem forced or planned, but decidely genuine.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Hot Panda intertwine rapidly changing time signatures, infectious hooks and stick-with-you melodies — all with a fastidious slight of hand. The band employ some unconventional instruments (kazoos, xylophones, accordions) along with discordant keyboard breaks and bare-bones guitar riffs. It all conflated into melodies that'll be tough to dislodge from your temporal cortex for the better part of a week. The aforementioned Hiltz contributed the occasional brass interlude, fleshing out the band's already dizzyingly full songs.

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: G
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
For some reason, every time I see Hot Panda's name I'm reminded of the Simpsons episode where an errant old-growth redwood smashes through a fast food franchise aptly named "Kentucky Fried Panda." Hardly the band's fault, but it makes their band sound like something on offer at the aforementioned ficitional eatery. Nevertheless, Hot Panda will draw just as much attention as the uncontrollable tree, as these guys are poised for the ephemeral glow of the blogosphere, making them the best kind of famous for an up-and-coming band: internet famous.