The Beautiful Unknown @ NXNE 2008

Hard Rock Cafe

Toronto, ON

on Jun 12 2008

Cameron Gordon (CHARTattack)

06/13/2008 10:30am

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Toronto toughies The Beautiful Unknown ruled the (high) school not to long ago and they bring a laundry list of collegiate sensibilities in an effort to rock you, me and everyone we know.

Grade: 92

Comment: Stage confidence can take years to develop, but the four members of The Beautiful Unknown seem to be naturals in the performance department. Their brash, self-assured stage show was entirely impressive and they were fazed in the least by the modest crowd, insightful singalongs and busting out signature rock star moves left, right and centre. Definitely a band to keep an eye on.

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: G
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Musically, The Beautiful Unknown recall Ash, The Strokes and other bands who manage to capitalize on their youthful exuberance. They were clearly well preferred for this showcase and I hope that there were at least a few VIPs in the crowd, because these guys deserve to be noticed. Plus, I bet teenage girls would think they’re “way cool.”

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The Beautiful Unknown did a great job of keeping energy levels up and actually seemed to gain steam with each passing number. Even their slightly off-tempo material packed a punch and they never relied on token "introspective" numbers to cool down. As an audience member and first time fan, this is something that’s always appreciated. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
The Beautiful Unknown are future fashion icons, mixing tops, pants and sheet-kickers in a most alluring fashion. Truth be told, I don’t know couture from a hole in the wall, but these guys just looked the part… that’s gotta count for something.