KAKKMADDAFAKKA @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Potty-mouthed joke rock from Norway doesn’t exactly roll of the tongue, but that’s apparently what KAKKMADDAFAKKA are known for. It sounded too bad to be true (TBTBT) and only time will tell if these flakes are actually on to something.

Grade: 65

Comment: Something about KAKKMADDAFAKKA seemed very Quebecois. Maybe it was the absurd humour, the colourful clothes or the myriad of styles spewed forth. Whatever the case, KAKKMADDAFAKKA were definitely a unique outfit — just not exactly a very talented one. No obvious merits were supplied with this schtick.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The members of KAKKMADDAFAKKA looked a bit like The Polyphonic Spree as made over by Kurtis Blow or perhaps The Fat Boys. The stage wear, which consisted of vinyl jackets, white robes and ironic mesh ball caps was actually a bit distracting and on the whole, the band seemed to be trying a bit too hard to be wacky.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
KAKKMADDAFAKKA’s songs were just OK. They weren’t jokey enough to be true novelty songs, but they also weren't well crafted enough to be taken seriously. The reality lies somewhere in between and for a listener with thousands, if not millions, of other music choices to make, there is very little in KAKKMADDAFAKKA’s songcraft that begs a repeat listen.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The saxophonist was quite the looker. Otherwise, KAKKMADDAFAKKA seemed to be little more than a really involved inside joke to which nobody knows the punch line.