Opopo @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Bryan Sutherland, Corey Poole and Craig Macgregor have made a big splash in Toronto's dance-rock scene in the last couple of years. Now signed to Urbnet, they're poised to take the party to the next level. You haven't heard the last of Opopo.

Grade: 87

Comment: There's something about Opopo's unpretentious enthusiasm that makes their stage presence seem almost goofy. Far from being distracting, this quality provides an interesting juxtaposition to the band's hard-edged and even slightly cold-hearted music. Watching Opopo wander aimlessly around the stage and bang guitars against their heads only brings me onto their side. You want them to succeed and you'd go out of your way to love them.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
It isn't difficult to tell when a band is forcing their head bangs or jump kicks. It's just as easy to see that Opopo's flailing limbs are motivated by pure rock energy. Perhaps it was this overwhelming spirit that reduced any attempts at audience interaction to nonsensical babbling. Just play another song, boys.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Opopo augmented their pre-set beats with fuzzed-out bass and guitar. Their blend of heavy techno influences — think Klaxons or even Daft Punk — and their rock 'n' roll background creates an absolutely exhilarating musical style that sounds like it's being broadcast from a dystopian future ruled by funky robots. Where a traditional rock band would start and stop one song after another, Opopo match the beats of their own tunes, bleeding most of the set together into one seamless throwdown.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Macgregor pre-empted my planned negative comments about his sunglasses by throwing them away 10 seconds into the set. Poole kept his shades on, but they looked good on him. Maybe the polarized specs were to protect the two players' eyes from the impressive lighting system at the Supermarket. The lights played a big part all night, augmenting the mood of the performances.