Picturesound @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Four nondescript dudes with a serious love for introspective, pretty Brit-rock.

Grade: 70

Comment: Like a photocopy that gets more and more washed out with each consecutive print, the British rock revival continues on in Toronto. Do any of these guys work at Ukula?

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
They had the image down pat — including blazers and button-down shirts paired with jeans, plus the keyboardist wore a snappy fedora. This may have served them well given the small stage space, which afforded them literally zero room to move around. Then again, they were a fairly immobile bunch, so I doubt they would have taken the chance on any amp-dancing regardless. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
OK, Toronto, enough with this already. The whole jaunty, comfortable Madchester sound just doesn't work anymore. The one thing they had going for their tunes was that they could conceivably fit well on film soundtracks, which is maybe how they got their name. Inspiration, or wishful thinking?

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: N
Actual Ability: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
First off, props for having a keyboard player — those always get top marks in my book. Marks taken away, however, for the band not being drunk enough, or the audience not being drunk enough to disregard the fact that the singer's vox are pretty darn weak. Good effort, maybe, but not enough to make any sort of mark on a night when hundreds of bands are vying for your time and attention.