The Luyas @ NXNE 2008

Photo by Rachel Verbin

Band: The Luyas
Hometown: Montreal, QC
Date: June 14, 2008
BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Miracle Fortress's Adam Waito got a slot early in the night. Jessie Stein's much-buzzed Luyas got the highly coveted midnight set. It wasn't hard to see why.

Grade: 86
Comment: Give a girl some credit — Stein knows how to write a song. Or at least The Luyas do. I'm sure French horn-playing wunderkind Pietro Amato of Torngat and Arcade Fire had something to do with how good the group are.
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: E Pronunciation: E Stage Presence: G Stage Banter: G Image: E Appearance: E Use Of Stage: S
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Stein has been playing in front of audiences for years and knows how to perform. Use of stage is about the only thing I'd knock them for. Amato was sitting almost off-stage in the dark, facing Stein. I can't see why he didn't set up at the front of the left side. It would have given The Luyas a lot more presence.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E Problem Solving: G Teamwork: E Work Habits: E Organization: E Audience Participation: G Sound: E Composition: E Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: The Luyas are a three-piece operation, and I feel like I'd be doing a disservice not mentioning drummer Stefan Schneider. The instrumental interplay between the players is phenomenal and, thus, so is the music. Stein's meandering vocals can grate every once in a while, but then some transition or chorus sucks you back in. While it's hard to keep Amato in one place for too long, I hope he commits some more time to The Luyas. His chilling horn work sells every song.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E Problem Solving: G Teamwork: E Sexiness: E Haircut: E Indie Rock Footwear: E Nods To Disposible Fashion: E Cool Equipment: E Level Of Inebriation: S Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Celebrity endorsement alert: The Office's Rainn Wilson, in town for the NXNE presentation of his new film The Rocker, took in The Luyas' set. Random note: I like how Amato is turning the French horn into an essential instrument in indie rock. In The Luyas, it basically supplants the need for a bassist, no small feat.