Fox Jaws @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Fox Jaws are a five-piece that play the kind of precocious indie pop that kids on Stillepost will love until other people find out about them.

Grade: 70

Comment:
Bands like Fox Jaws just make me feel old. I can almost see why the kids like them. Their songs are catchy enough and their live show is fairly engaging, but it’s all wrapped up in a package so damned precious that I just want to shoo everyone off of my musical lawn.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
One area where the band do genuinely excel, thanks to lead singer Carleigh Aikins, is stage presence. Dancing around the stage and even playing the tambourine while wearing it around her neck, the woman certainly was a dynamo. In fact, her energy alone was almost enough to suck me into the Fox Jaws fever that had clearly swept the packed Rivoli. Almost. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
There was a distinct lack of focus in the band’s set. One minute, they were playing slow and haunting music with ethereal vocals, the next they were going at it with a Blue Rodeo-style harmonica and a Melissa Etheridge rasp. It’s nice that they have an eclectic sound and all, but it just seemed a bit too much for a 40 minute showcase set. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
I really tried to like Fox Jaws, but I just don’t get it. They’re clearly connecting with the kids, though, so I’ll just step away from the cranky shots and let them all have their fun.