Bionic @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: This was loud and unrelenting jock metal. I believe this is what they mean when they say “balls to the walls” or “balls out” or any other illustrations alluding to male genitalia.

Grade: 80

Comment:Bionic are the musical personification of Nelson Muntz. They’re that bully jock you hate to admit you have a crush on. Their music, reminiscent of early Rated R-era Queens Of The Stone Age or even Kyuss, doesn’t just demand your attention, but rather grabs you by the nose hairs and assaults you.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Bionic have stage presence to burn. Being from Montreal, the band took every shot they could at the Toronto audience. "Thanks for showing up early and being so hospitable! How Un-Toronto of you... a whole bunch of Montrealers must have snuck in.” From the rabble-rousing stage banter, to throwing shit into the crowd, Bionic didn't lose the crowd for a second.

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:
This is some extremely tight shit right here. The vocals recalled a much younger, much cockier Dave Grohl. The guitarwork was fantastic! It was almost as if Paul Julius, Jonathan Cummins and Jean Belanger were racing each other to the next chord, trying to play faster and louder. Drummer Timothy Patrick Dwyer is nuts, and played so ferociously that it was hard to keep track of his limbs. Technical difficulties caused a few interruptions, particularly regarding the mic in front of Dwyer's kick drum. “Sorry, but you REALLY need to hear the kick drum for this next song.” Yeah, we really did. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
In the modest square room that is Lee's Palace, Bionic managed to rip the crowd a new one. Clearly though, they could easily do the same in a venue as big as the Kool Haus or even Ricoh Coliseum. That said, their sound is only half as entertaining as their attitude. You love to hate 'em, and they love every minute of it. If these guys can’t make it big, no one should.