Your Favorite Enemies @ CMW 2009

Background/Composition:
These five guys and one gal from Montreal formed this solid rock/metal band in 2006 and founded their own label, Hopeful Tragedy Records, a year later to produce their own EP. And If I Was To Die In The Morning... Would I Still Be Sleeping With You went on to sell over 30,000 copies between their homeland and Japan, which isn't surprising in the least. With sets like this one, Your Favorite Enemies are likely to also become your favourite band.

Grade: 92

Comment:
Your Favorite Enemies are the entire package. Anticipation set in even before they set foot onstage when a slew of fans in orange jail jumpsuits that said "Rock N Rights" on the back began flooding the front of the club. The jumpsuits served as an homage to the group's passion for human rights and their fans' dedication to the band. I was expecting anarchy, but instead got a band so in touch with their audience and abilities, it was impossible to tell this wasn't a hometown show.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Vocalist Alex Foster assaulted and crawled around the Bovine stage and bar like an animal, while the rest of the band rocked out with undeniable energy and conviction. Their songs were so articulate it came as a surprise to hear their uber-thick Quebec accents between songs. Keyboardist and backing vocalist Miss Isabel is a phenomenal touch, but she was the most reserved person on stage. It would have been nice to see her leave the safe place from behind her keys to join in on the full-frontal rock 'n' roll action.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Your Favorite Enemies' ability to break up songs by incorporating soft melodies and ambience shows the true calibre of their songwriting. Careful thought is put into the construction of their songs and sets in order to draw attention to various aspects from the lyrical content to the eeriness of the icy parts. This band deserved to have every member called out for the audience so names could be put to the skills in a true old school fashion. Perhaps Foster can consider doing this next time.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Guitarists Jeff Beaulieu and Sef both have superior shredding talents and maximum metal hair. Their headbanging was incredible to watch as their hair seemed to be everywhere and take up half the tiny stage. These combined traits in addition to everything else helped make Your Favorite Enemies the perfect Bovine band and a group to watch in 2009.