The Summerlad @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Fronted by singer/guitarist Garrett McClure, aka "P7," Summerlad are a rock quartet specializing in atmospheric, exploratory rock. They've been around since 1999 and have toured with the likes of the Constantines and The Besnard Lakes.

Grade: 65

Comment: Despite that they have a good reputation back in their hometown of Calgary, recordings under their belt and a healthy touring schedule, something about The Summerland failed to impress on this particular night. Maybe it was the sound balancing issues that seemed to dog the band throughout their set, but the band came off as less "full-on psychedelic freak-out" as advertised, and more plodding wall of sound.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
It fell mainly to frontman L7 to make all the eye contact, and he did an adequate, though unspectacular job connecting with the audience. The energy could have been higher, and the backing vocals less timid.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Epic sound collages drenched with delay pedal noodling made up the majority of the set, but there was a disappointing lack of subtlety to these musical explorations that caused them to come across as the sonic equivalent of being tapped repeatedly with a cudgel. The brightest sparks were when the band broke out a couple of its shorter, dancier numbers and almost seemed to transform into a completely different outfit. More of those, please. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Playing electric guitar with a violin bow needs to be laid to rest once and for all, but I wouldn't mind seeing more of the double-necked bass (bass on the bottom, and guitar on top).