Two Hours Traffic @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Two Hours Traffic have played Toronto many times in the past year, but they haven’t come close to faltering on audience attendance and enthusiasm since. Their Little Jabs full length has a spot in both MuchMusic and Joel Plaskett's hearts.

Grade: 92

Comment: Besides the charisma, lively hooks, and squished audience, the main feature to this show was the hefty amount of new material played, like "Drop Alcohol," which was a fast winner. The boys are still well composed and radiate a friendly atmosphere.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
As much as Two Hours Traffic have their place in fun summery beats, there's definitely room for improvement when it comes to communication between members. But when vocalist Liam Corcoran failed to meet his cue in the set’s finale of “Stuck For The Summer”, the small smiles exchanged between the band as they looped were just enough.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
The swift pop-rock jingles kept the crowd awake and lively. The set was jam-packed with pumped-up tracks off Little Jabs and the Isolator EP that had the crowd dancing with arms in the air. This is where Two Hours Traffic get their mojo; the crowd’s love for them really takes a toll on the band.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Once Two Hours Traffic finished, the venue cleared out under five minutes. With not only a strong pull throughout Toronto and its surrounding areas but a fun-filled set of danceable rock, it’s easy to see why the crowd would want to get as much as they could out of the performance. They probably left because to run home to listen to the record and maybe stare a little dreamily at their MySpace pictures. (Sidenote: vocalist Liam Corcoran is sporting a spiffy new hairdo.)