MENEW @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: MENEW boast an artsy name and badass pedigree, but will their credentials reap rewards? Hard to say, but we knew going in that this Toronto quartet had better bring their A-Game to combat the dreaded 9 p.m. curtain jerk. Stay tuned to see how things turned out.

Grade: 75

Comment: Talent and professionalism won out as MENEW impressed a small but ardent crowd with their brooding take on modern rock. With echoes of U2, The Smashing Pumpkins and The Tea Party, the band brought a lot of density to the stage and managed to toil in their dour songwriting while staying liable and earnest — a tough trick to turn.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
MENEW plays things pretty straight and while it’s not always that engaging to witness, there is definitely a lot of passion and legitimacy to the way they deliver their songs, one emotion at a time.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
There was a lot of black fabric on stage as the band’s bleak attire proved an apt comment to their bleak songwriting. The tunes gradually became more uplifting. The clothes remained black. Go figure.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
There’s no reason MENEW shouldn’t be popular (despite their name) as the band’s sound would most certainly sound right at home alongside most modern rock bands. Ditto for their stage show, which featured considerable use of a smoke machine. They managed to work up a good billow of smoke—perhaps even a mystical billow. I think they were going for both literal and metaphorical symbolism… maybe.