Paper Lions @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Armed with charm, swagger and skills to pay the bills, the Paper Lions look to kick off another east coast renaissance with their peppy brand of likable indie rock.

Grade: 92

Comment: The considerable crowd that the Paper Lions drew for an 8:00 p.m. timeslot was no fluke — these cats have all the earmarks of a breakout sensation. Similar in style and sound to Tokyo Police Club, the band’s learned stage show was a sight to behold and they most certainly came through in the clutch in what will hopefully become a watershed moment in their young career.

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: G
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Practice makes perfect and the Paper Lions are certainly heading in the right direction. Their stage show was tight, engaging and enjoyable and even if you’re not a fan of their lively pop/rock blend, there is no denying the band have an unspeakable charisma that most outfits work a lifetime to develop. Their comfort and poise on stage just made sense on so many levels.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The Paper Lions’ songs play out nicely in the live setting and with plenty of singalong choruses and clappy tempos, the music had a definite immediacy for even the most ignorant onlooker. It also helped that each and every tune was presented with high energy and plenty of smiles, which made the experience all that much more engaging.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Drummer David Cyrus MacDonald is a complete and utter badass on the skins. He was a definite focal point for much of the performance, whether it was working his way through a drum solo with only his bare hands or doubling up with two pairs of drum sticks. Even when the two guitarists tumbled into the crowd for a walkabout, all eyes kept on the timekeeper, hoping for another winning display of dexterity.