Smothered In Hugs @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Take a set of brothers, throw in their cousin and some other dude and you’ve got this East Coast mix of shoegaze and pop-rock. The quartet formed in 2002, have a six-song EP under their belts and will release a full-length titled The Healing Power Of Injury on June 28. They'll be back on tour in the fall throughout Canada.

Grade: 88

Comment: Smothered in Hugs? I was a little let down. They didn’t seem like they either wanted to smother people in hugs or that they enjoyed the reciprocation. In fact, it almost seemed as if they’ve been smothered a little too often and now they’re fighting back.

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: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Singer and guitarist Ryan Crane made a good attempt at banter, and cracked jokes every once in a while about audience members or what happened to the band that day. He even came up with some colourful descriptions for upcoming songs. He introduced “Ghost Believah” as a “song about an erotic friend you can’t even take to the drive in.” Poor friend.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
The set started out more on the pop side but ended closer towards shoegaze. Bassist Josh Byrne kept a steady and fun beat throughout the entire performance. He rested his instrument so high on his chest that it grazed his neck. The band might not know exactly what sound to go for yet, but it works, and they definitely came around at a good time, because they’ll make a dent on summer playlists.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
The quartet arrived on stage in spiffy outfits, and looked as spruced up as possible, but Crane and his brother Aaron (drums) were in desperate need of haircuts. Nobody in the group really used the stage, but there were the occasional bursts of awkward energy.