Ours To Destroy @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION:
A little folky, a little rock 'n' roll, a little jazz, and a whole lot of The Tragically Hip. They're the sonic personification of that kid you thought was a weird ranting hippie, but you bought pot from them anyway. Voted most likely to ride the rails or hitchhike across the country.

Grade: 67

Comment:
Granted Lee's Palace was filled with no more that 30 people, mostly at the bar, when Ours To Destroy came on, but that's little excuse for the complete lack of heart in their performance. Musically, it's clear the band are still trying to find their footing, as the set featured an awkward mix of straight-up Can-rock, Tom Waits-esque folk and screamo. Yeah, screamo
.
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: S
Pronunciation: G
Stage Presence: N
Stage Banter: S
Image: S
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
There were no antics, no mischief, no banter of any kind. Most of the band were forgettable, with the exception of guitarist Steve Dodd, who seems to be the driving force behind the rest and the only one having any fun. He's that kid who was always really bright, but never knew it, and you just wish he'd learn to step up and push his friends around a little. And maybe usurp the lead mic.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
If there is one saving grace for Ours To Destroy, it's the fact that they really can play. The arrangements were very tight, although it was mostly Dodd wowing us with some virtuoso guitarwork. The vocals were, for the large part, "spoken" over the racket, although Dodd chimed in with some very impressive screaming on a couple of tracks. They're solid B students, chops-wise.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Dressed in tacky suits, mismatched ties, and misplaced fedoras, Ours To Destroy come off like a bunch of hobos, albeit wise, articulate hobos who regale you with tall tales in song. Lead singer David Morley really fits the bill with a very impressive beard almost reaching his belly. That said, I still contend that Dodd should take over and convert Ours To Destroy into a hardcore band. This A student needs to tutor his buddies.