Uncut @ NXNE 2008

Band: Uncut Hometown: Toronto, ON Venue: Lee's Palace Date: June 13, 2008 Reporter: Aisha Khan BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: This was obnoxiously loud indie rock with no reservations or pretension. Three chords, no solos, and everybody shreds like it's the last song they'll ever play.

Grade: 82

Comment: Uncut are that student you can't help but love, not because he's a genius or cool, but for his sincerity and heart. As everybody plays with their eyes closed, hugging their instruments like it was a shivering girl, you know they mean what they say. They might not be saying anything particularly groundbreaking, but man do they mean it.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Stage presence is Uncut's greatest achievement. Every member was present, participating and interacting with the audience. There was excellent, bratty, self-deprecating stage banter, as lead singer Ian Worang admitted "That's the first time we played that song in front of people, and I totally forgot the words so I made shit up and you totally bought it!"

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Uncut have all the potential of an already bright student who has yet to fully blossom. It's clear that the band are still learning the art of songwriting, but they play with a lot of heart. Drummer Jon Drew is so involved in what he's doing that he's not even in the room. Bassist Derek Tokar is the clear showman, delivering wispy vocals amid judo kicks and twirls. A+ for effort.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
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:
As a refreshing alternative to numerous Toronto indie bands, Uncut offer no fashion gimmicks. They're just a bunch of dudes in T-shirts and jeans with sweaty hair. It really is just a matter getting the right shot before these guys break out in a big way.