The D'Urbervilles @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: The D'Urbervilles play a combo of punk and dance rock culled from many parts of Ontario. Their We Are The Hunters debut full-length was released in February.

Grade: 89

Comment: Combining dance rock and punk is usually something pretty fun, and this band didn’t prove that wrong. The energy was all over the stage, left there for all to see, along with each band member's entertaining image. This was especially the case with singer John O'Regan, who could be seen clearly even from the back of the venue, lanky jamming-out sessions and all.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The D'Urbervilles don’t look like they’d be friends in real life, but their oddly paired chemistry is one that works. Loud things come out of their small bodies and colours were everywhere, whether on the stage or in the music. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
At first it seemed as if The D'Urbervilles weren’t on the ball, but after a couple songs, it was like they’d been fine all along. They proved to be masterful, tricky and entertaining as they whipped through their funky grooves on top of perky beats such as “Dragnet.” The crowd couldn’t take their eyes off of them. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
The D'Urbervilles' charisma filled the stage as their bodies pulsed to their bouncy but mysterious beats, alive in a late-night jam session complete with hand claps. Really, anywhere else they could go would be up, and that would be a treat.