We Are Wolves @ NXNE 2008

Sneaky Dee's

Toronto, ON

on Jul 11 2008

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

06/16/2008 2:30pm

Date: June 13, 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Nope, we still don't have enough wolf bands. Not enough synth-punk ones, at least. We Are Wolves recently won a Montreal International Music Initiative award for being the band with the greatest international potential. Does that mean they're already domestic has-beens?
Grade: 94
Comment: The suspense was palpable. The 2 a.m. spot had been reserved for a surprise guest; who would it be? Steve Heyerdahl from Proof Of Ghosts was lingering around. Gentleman Reg was in attendance. It was mainly a Mint Records gig, so someone like Immaculate Machine was a possibility. We Are Wolves' fans knew who it was going to be because they'd posted the gig on their MySpace page.
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: E Stage Banter: G Image: E Appearance: G Use Of Stage: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: We Are Wolves had drunk dudes doing the Flintstone Flop by the end of their second song. They didn't say much, but the surprise headliner slot seems to call for a pompous indifference.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G Problem Solving: E Teamwork: E Work Habits: E Organization: E Audience Participation: E Sound: E Composition: E Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: It seems more and more bands are eschewing the guitar these days and We Are Wolves definitely weren't hurting for a six-string; their punishing synth attack more than filled the room. Bassist Alexander Ortiz was stellar. These guys could definitely hold their own against the other Wolf acts.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E Problem Solving: E Teamwork: E Sexiness: G Haircut: S Indie Rock Footwear: E Nods To Disposible Fashion: G Cool Equipment: E Level Of Inebriation: E Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Giant keyboards that make the room shake are the way of the future. Keyboardist Vincent Levesque's hair is a way of the past. You need to modernize, man.