D-Sisive @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Once a smart-ass boy wonder, the almost mythic local rapper has returned after a six year absence with far more personal and powerful material.

Grade: 92

Comment: Dark, smart and unflinchingly honest and personal, D-Sisive’s new release, The Book, is a pretty brilliant piece of music. As last night’s set, complete with New Orleans-style funeral procession to the stage, proved, the man is capable of putting on a live show worthy of his incredible album.

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: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Once known almost as much for his comedic stage shows as his music, D-Sisive hasn’t entirely abandoned his wicked sense of humour, but he has tempered it in a way that works with his newer, more serious material. For example, launching into Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” after his wry and highly amusing “ThisIsWhatItSoundsLikeWhenWhiteBoysListenToHipHop” provided just the right amount of levity for an otherwise heavy set.

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:
It’s really a shame that more of the music nerds and indie rock kids who populated The Rivoli earlier in the night didn’t stick around. They likely would have appreciated what they saw. Between his personal and often clever lyrics and his hijacking of songs by artists like Tom Waits and Iggy Pop, D-Sisive has a sound ripe for cool-kid crossover. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
How does one appropriately score the haircut of someone who wears both a hat and a hood on his head?In any case, it doesn’t matter. D-Sisive is a genius and you should go buy The Book now.