The Oholics @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: They're a six-man Swedish buzz band whose loud style incorporates some of their country's best acts, including The Hives and The International Noise Conspiracy.

Grade: 90

Comment: The room filled up for these Swedes — their first show of a three-night stand — and after only a few minutes, it was obvious to see why. It was beer-fuelled mayhem without an Ikea reference in sight.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
They had what was probably an overcomplicated stage setup for the Dollar — one that included synths, keys, guitar panels and sitar(!) — but they somehow managed to soldier through without breaking any gear or limbs. As far as image is concerned, there was one member of the band who, with his shoulder-length blond Dorothy Hamill haircut and embroidered peasant shirt, was doing more for an ABBA revival than a hundred showings of Mamma Mia. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Multi-instrumentalists much? The aformentioned ABBA guy was a whirlwind up there, incorporating cowbell, synth, vocals, two-handed tambourine and even barefoot sitar-playing. All these little touches combined beautifully with The Oholics' catchy songs, which mostly fell toward Strokes-ish garage rock and Stone Roses-style grooves. The unexpectedly punky screech of the pretty boy singer's vocals was a pleasant surprise, too. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
The Oholics, like The River Raid, were another case of an international band just so damn excited to be playing Toronto that they put all their heart into it. They may be a weird looking bunch, but they definitely won over the full room with their antics, not to mention the fact that their music was a helluva lot of fun. As the singer closed the set by saying "See you tomorrow!" it's a definite bet that The Oholics will be seeing plenty of the same crowd back for more on Friday.