The Darcys @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: These five sharply dressed rockers alternate between Toronto and Halifax, presumably chasing some invisible rock'n'roll spectre the way surfers follow the big waves.

Grade: 80

Comment: Remember that scene in Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas when Dr. Gonzo is lying in the bathtub completely freaked on acid and begs Duke to play their Jefferson Airplane tape because he needs "a rising sound"? Seconds later, Duke catches him trying to pull their portable radio into the bathtub with a marlin spike. Gonzo would have killed himself if he could have reached that radio. He'd have died happy in a thunderclap of electric absolution.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Presenting a united front in their respectable grey suits, The Darcys made effective use of their stage. They were up, they were down, they bobbed, they weaved and they drank beer. As is often the case at live concerts, the vocals were rendered almost irrelevant by the guitar volume. Even with a microphone, a singer needs to know how to project in order to avoid being drowned in noise.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
More than merely sharp-dressed bar rockers, The Darcys knew when to lay in a little dissonance. They understood the value of a primal scream and the effect it can have on the blood of a man. Not every band can be heavy and smooth in turn or both at once if the situation demands. There is a time to blast and a time to swoon and The Darcys skillfully navigated this dynamic.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
The suits and beards look is pretty much air-tight. The only downside is that at a glance all the band members look identical, with the notable exception of the drummer whose handlebar moustache made him look like Nick Cave. When the band announced their last song I saw many a beer being quaffed and slammed. A couple in front of me engaged in a loving, but aggressive two-person mosh and hands went into the air and they waved like seaweed on a breezy day underwater. These are things that indicate a successful music show.