Songs From A Room @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Songs From A Room are an odd mesh of hardcore and classic rock made up of five Toronto dudes who've recently been spending time writing. They independently released their White EP in May.

Grade: 84

Comment:These guys started off their set and the night with a bang. They pack a loaded punch of focused rock that has spit-in-your-face passion. They put the speed, screaming and effort of a hardcore live show together with the guitar base of progressive rock early on in the evening to a fairly curious crowd.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
While the group’s frontman receives top marks for eye contact with the crowd, the other group members appeared to avert their eyes or at least keep them glued on the instruments (it must be extreme focus on the music, of course.) When they had it, the banter was good, but more could always be smiled upon — especially when there’s humour involved.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The dynamic harmonies and song partnership between frontman and drummer became crucial to keeping their sound and stage show unique and fresh. When the drummer broke into “Badass,” the energy of the club definitely went up a notch. 

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: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It’s always good to start a night off with an energetic band and Songs From A Room was that. This quintet had a big sound that permeated the air, but what had the potential to catch concert-goers’ attentions was the energy. While the front man admitted 9 p.m. was too early to pre-drink, the band proceeded to drink throughout their set.