Spies In Limbo @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Spies In Limbo's bio compares them to Radiohead, and as one of the few U.K. acts playing this year’s NXNE, they were a definite curiosity for all in attendance. Plenty of expectations for excellence for these laddies.

Grade: 78

Comment: Spies In Limbo jittered and jigsawed their way through a 40 minute set with a nippy, grating sound that is truly difficult to quantify. At the risk of sounding like a total music geek, Pylon and The Feelies are two close comparisons, albeit with a bit more “meat” and a heavier approach overall. An impressive showing, even if the energy did tail off as the set progressed.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  C
onsidering Spies In Limbo are five members strong, they made excellent use of the postage stamp-sized stage. This was made more amazing by the fact that their acoustic guitar player was lurching and leering all over the place. In short, this band is well balanced.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Spies In Limbo have a weird implied tension that I might’ve been imagining. It appeared they were shooting daggers at each other through out the night but perhaps I just mistook this for intensity. Either way, there weren’t a lot of smiles up on stage.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
The singer wore suspenders that ended up dangling by his bottom within a few minutes of the set. Otherwise, Spies In Limbo dressed liked extras from a Weezer video or as if they had just arrived from their day jobs. The mundane reality of these attires actually worked to their favour as it gave their music an even more sinister, uneasy bent, considering it was being delivered by five guys who looked like accountants.