Mad Staring Eyes @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: This British four-piece played Cure- and Clash-inspired rock and wore bandages on their faces. Now, where have I seen that before?

Grade: 86

Comment: Oh, that's right, Clinic. Mad Staring Eyes sound nothing like Liverpool's freaky dread-pop act, but their decision to wear bandages was unnecessary and seemed copycat-ish. Thankfully, their music was actually pretty good.

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: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Beyond the bandages, singer Alex Jay was confident and engaging. The band won Glastonbury's Best Unsigned Band award in 2005 and it's not hard to see why. They know how to work a crowd and have the musical skills to match. Plus, Jay scored points for saying at the end, "Now we're going to give you all free music," which drew an excited rush to the stage.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Jay said near the end that the band would only play one more song if everybody danced. Surprisingly (for a Toronto crowd), a bunch of people obliged. The songs weren't particularly original, but they were a solid combination of British punk and rock that would make for a party on almost any night.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
I don't get why they're doing the bandage thing. I mean, it's a joke relating to the title of their new record, Bored Of Looking Cool. But if a fairly well-known band from YOUR COUNTRY is already doing it, it's probably best to avoid doing it yourselves. Jay also wore a cowboy hat, further convincing me that this is the year of the cowboy hat, and it's a look I could stand to see less. If they're bored of looking cool, good thing they've found something that's the exact opposite.