The Diableros @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: The Toronto quintet have faded a little since the much-buzzed release of You Can't Break The Strings Of Our Olympic Hearts, but they still put on a pretty solid show.

Grade: 85

Comment: I saw The Diableros pack the Horseshoe Tavern a few years ago to play songs from their aforementioned debut. The group's Aren't Ready For This Country didn't make the same dent, but they still drew a sizable crowd playing in the Dollar's 1 a.m. slot, even if it did peter out a bit before the end.

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: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Frontman Pete Carmichael remains a superb performer, even if his vocals were somewhat buried beneath the shoegaze noise of the songs. The rest of the band performed with sweaty vigour and the crowd reciprocated their effort until about halfway through the set, when people started filing out (fairly typical for 1 a.m. bands at these fests, not an indictment of The Diableros' performance). 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
The problem with having a sound as shambolic as The Diableros' is that sound issues get drowned out on stage. Keith Hamilton had myriad bass issues at the beginning of the set, Craig Gloster seemed a little out of sorts on keyboard and, as mentioned in the previous box, Carmichael's excellent vocals were less than audible. You'd think a seasoned live band would have their finger on the pulse of this sort of stuff. None of it ruined an otherwise great set, but they should work on keeping things in at least moderate control.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
I bumped The Diableros' grade up because part of being a good band is knowing how to assemble a setlist, and finishing with "Tropical Pets" showed they know how to do that. I know it might sound weird, but leaving the right impression by closing on the perfect song for a small band is incredibly important. Their drunken energy also provided the night with its logical conclusion (though I'm sure a few people stuck around for the 2 and 3 a.m. bands).