Action Makes @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Action Makes played a bunch of songs that everyone wishes The Brian Jonestown Massacre would have made. (Unsurprisingly, they list that band as an influence on MySpace.) It's highly lucid psychedelic rock 'n' roll, sort like Black Lips.

Grade: 89

Comment: These guys put on a pretty good soundtrack to your drinking party. The crowd thought so, anyway. Singer Clint Rogerson looks and acts like a member of Toronto's famed Good family, which only adds to the tough-as-nails mantra these guys carry around.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Rogerson certainly knew how to work the crowd with his moody (possibly drunk) style. For a group like this, the key is making everyone think you're teetering on the edge. Mission accomplished, guys. Can't give them much in the way of points for image. Rogerson looked like he came from work at a call centre. Bassist Andrew Stoeten wore a soccer jersey. Drummer Ryan Rothwell and guitarist Noel Fenn balanced out those mistakes. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
I just have to point out that there was actual problem solving in this set. We have it on the report card twice and I never see it. Anyway, Fenn's guitar broke down and the entire band pleaded for a replacement, which The Mark Inside produced. Good work, guys! It only added to the late-set drama when Fenn finally stopped tuning midway through the last song and escalated it into fifth gear at the last possible moment.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
I'm going to go out on a limb and say I'd see these guys play any time and you should, too. I suspect they only get better with each subsequent viewing. There was kind of a slow build in this set, but at the end, the whole room was going crazy for them. They almost would have been the best band of the night, had it not been for The Mark Inside.