We Are Balboa @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Lead singer Lua speaks perfect English and her accent doesn’t come through in the music at all. I was (not so) secretly hoping that she would serenade us with a sexy Spanish inflection! But We Are Balboa's particular breed of indie-pop is particularly good, and turns the standard rock quartet formula into something far more attractive. I’ll let it slide that she doesn’t speak like Penelope Cruz.

Grade: 81

Comment: We Are Balboa travelled all the way from Spain to play a free show in the heart of Toronto. Other international artists could learn from these guys — if you want a North American following, come jam for a hundred people in the middle of Yonge And Dundas Square — the word will spread virally. Torontonians apparently have nothing better to do on a Friday afternoon than gather around and listen to music. But it doesn’t hurt if your music is fairly infectious and your lead singer rates rather high on the Babe-O-Meter.

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: N

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The quartet seemed dwarfed by the sizeable Yonge And Dundas Square stage. Yet We Are Balboa attracted a hefty crowd, including a double-decker tour bus that parked itself on Yonge Street and let tourists catch a glimpse of how Toronto rocks. When the band announced they were going to play a love song, they dedicated the tune to their newfound love of Toronto, earning a hearty cheer from the crowd.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
We Are Balboa delivered undeniably catchy pop-rock that got the whole audience bobbing up and down (I wonder if they do that in Spain?). They sounded like a less polished version of Rilo Kiley, and Lua often slipped into vocal delivery reminiscent of Gwen Stefani. We Are Balboa dished out a nice serving of loud drums and crunchy guitars and delivered indie-pop guaranteed to please a North American audience.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Girls who play Les Pauls are outrageously hot. That said, We Are Balboa hold it down in the good looks department. Lua donned a blue floral sundress with bright green eye shadow and silver high-heels while guitarist Carlos Del Amo and bassist Jose Mora dressed in black and held a black guitar and black bass, respectively. Del Amo's wide stance seemed somewhat forced, but Lua’s continual face touching was super sexy, and definitely gained the group a few well-deserved North American fans.