Gregory Pepper & His Problems @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: With as many instruments as players, this guitar/keys/drums two-piece sounded bigger than they looked. As Jean Chretien told Nardwuar the Human Serviette, "For me, pepper, I put it on my plate."

Grade: 88

Comment: If Gregory Pepper has many problems, they were well hidden under his set of earnest, exuberant pop jams. He was confident and well rehearsed while his songs packed power as well as pep. His set was virtually flawless. Any problems Mr. Pepper has must be between him and his shrink — or drummer.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Pepper delivered growls, yelps and warbles with confidence and verve. He easily took control of the growing crowd at Sneaky Dee's, drawing stage-front boppers from the back room talkers. Regrettably, the heat of the stage lights forced him to discard his banana yellow cardigan after only a few melodramatic pop epics.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Pepper and his Problems spiced their jaunty indie pop with some surprisingly heavy Moog fuzz. The duo embodied the energy of the enthuse-pop friend collectives that have become so vogue in the post Broken Social Scene years, but with their smaller scale the songs didn't overflow with unnecessary layers. A little breathing room can make a big difference.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Despite its recent surge of ironic popularity, the moustache can be considered proper rock facial wear in only a few rare circumstances. Over use of moustache privileges only drains its tongue-in-cheek "I'm a porn star" or "I'm your dad" or "I'm an idiot" appeal. Without this edge, the moustache has nothing left going for it except the way it conceals a runny nose. Perhaps this is a generational complaint, however, as the younger students seem to like it.