The Mark Inside @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: This enduring quartet play intense, furiously escalating rock 'n' roll that completely owned The Silver Dollar on Friday night.

Grade: 93

Comment: Some Toronto bands fade away. Others who truly believe in themselves and their abilities, perservere, hoping that elusive break will finally happen one day. The Mark Inside are the latter. It's not just the band who are waiting for the break — the packed, sweaty and eventually beer-soaked crowd seemed to think it was inevitable as well. For the record, this is what I wish Attack In Black sounded like.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
The Mark Inside have used their years of experience to attract a solid cult fanbase and to craft a dynamic live show. They reminded me a lot of a young Constantines. By the end, it had one of those hero worship vibes. Even the people who were sitting at the tables were hollering and clapping along. 

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:
I can't really fault The Mark Inside for much besides the fact that their sound lacks originality. But they play with a lot of passion and punk savvy, and they were constantly rewarded by a faithful crowd. I was told years ago that I would enjoy the band. I had no idea I would like them this much.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
The set ended with a wild beer shower, with at least three or four crowd members soaking the band and the row of girls up front. As opposed to a show where it's one of the group's three obnoxious fans who perpetrate the mess and people scowl endlessly, everybody was so sweaty down front they happily took the alcoholic precipitation. Including the band. Frontman Chris Levoir thanked said beer-wasters for their contribution. That's rock 'n' roll. Count me among those who think The Mark Inside will one day get their long-desired break.