Elfin Saddle @ NXNE 2008

Silver Dollar Room

Toronto

on Jun 14 2008

Noah Love (CHARTattack)

06/16/2008 1:00pm

Band: Elfin Saddle
Hometown: Montreal, QC
Date: June 14, 2008
BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: This Montreal duo are a guy and a Japanese girl who play baroque pop on a variety of instruments.


Grade: 74
Comment: Emi Honda and Jordan McKenzie's subtle songs reminded me of The Espers. Unlike the past Canadian Music Week where I watched a crowd drown out a similar performance from Laura Barrett, this crowd was very respectful of the quiet, intense performance.

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: G Image: E Appearance: G Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Honda seemed pretty chipper to be on stage, but McKenzie looked like he wanted to be anywhere else when he wasn't warbling into the microphone. It was like watching a battle of wills. Wait, more like a thumb wrestle of wills.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G Problem Solving: G Teamwork: E Work Habits: E Organization: E Audience Participation: E Sound: S Composition: G Songs: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: McKenzie has to tone his vocals down a bit. They work perfectly with Honda's on record. In a live setting, he pushed it too hard and it often sounded like brutal yodeling. The songs themselves were actually pretty engaging, especially when McKenzie more quietly backed Honda. I also have to give high marks for audience participation. Any crowd could have killed this band by talking over the set. I heard everything clearly on Saturday night.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S Problem Solving: G Teamwork: E Sexiness: E Haircut: G Indie Rock Footwear: E Nods To Disposible Fashion: E Cool Equipment: E Level Of Inebriation: S Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Charisma was an issue because clearly McKenzie didn't want to show too much of it. The group did have plenty of cool instruments, some of which were played simultaneously (I mean, one player played two instruments at once). I can't see Elfin Saddle headlining a tour, but they'll always have an opening slot on a peculiar night like this one.