Slim Twig @ Silver Dollar

Silver Dollar Room

Toronto, ON

on Jul 11 2008

Noah Love (CHARTattack)

06/16/2008 1:00pm

Photo by Rachel Verbin

Date: June 14, 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Slim Twig and his Mercy Mercenaries return from a tour. They are better for having gone, says I.


Grade: 94
Comment: The first time I saw Slim Twig, the ensuing 91 was mostly due to shock. His April performance at Lee's was a disappointment, but this show proved the band are starting to figure out what works best in a live setting. They are well on their way to world domination.

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: G  Stage Presence: E Stage Banter: G Image: E Appearance: E Use Of Stage: E Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Twig's stage presence was pretty much unmatched at this year's NXNE. Aided by a crowd who wanted to be won over, the wild-haired Paper Bag-signee finished the set in a convulsive looping frenzy. His energy is matched by drummer/guitarist Jesse James Laderoute, and then completely antagonized by keyboardist Senna DeCampo, who ChartAttack News Editor Steve McLean described as "the least animated person he's ever seen." I don't disagree.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E  Problem Solving: E Teamwork: E Work Habits: E Organization: E Audience Participation: E Sound: E Composition: E Songs: E Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: For the second time at the Silver Dollar this weekend, actual problem solving took place. The band blew a fuse on stage during opener "Birthing & Birthing," but came back strong when the power came back on, simply playing the remaining 10 seconds of the track at full energy. Like I said before, the group are starting to figure out what works for them on stage. They have started turning up the drum machine to give the percussion a much-needed presence, and Laderoute drums live more often than he did the first two times I saw the group.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E  Problem Solving: E  Teamwork: E Sexiness: E Haircut: E Indie Rock Footwear: E Nods To Disposible Fashion: E Cool Equipment: E Level Of Inebriation: E Actual Ability: E Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Slim Twig is one of the best new performers in Canada. Apparently they played to four people in Ottawa. Honestly, y'all have no idea what you are missing. Get out there and see Slim Twig early and often.