The Lovely Feathers @ CMW 2009

Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto, ON

on Mar 12 2009

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

03/13/2009 11:41am

Background/Composition:
This Montreal quintet have been lying low since the 2006 release of their Hind Hind Legs disc. Their aesthetic is described as "fast indie pop" and that's as fitting a label as any.

Grade: 80

Comment:
The Horseshoe was shockingly full for the Feathers' 8:30 p.m. start, probably because it was just their second show in Toronto since 2006. They were a little rusty, but they still know how to turn a bar into a dance party. You could tell that they were happy to be playing together again.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Pauses between songs were kept to only a short few seconds. It was obvious these guys wanted to get in as much music as humanly possible. Vocalist/guitarist Richard Yanofsky and bassist Mark Shortt were having fun with frequent instrument trading, which was enough to keep the crowd interested during lulls. There were a couple of "Hi, how are ya?" moments, but not much else in the way of banter. Eye contact was rendered next-to-impossible for a couple of band members since their hair was in the way.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
They had new material available to them, but wisely stuck to their tried-and-true crowd pleasers, leading with "Wrong Choice," and eventually working through most of Hind Hind Legs' best tunes. New songs are fine, but when you've been away for a few years, it's important to wean your fans off of your older material first. "Pope John Paul" and "In The Valley" got the biggest responses. The couple of new tracks they did trot out were as much synth-tickling fun as their older stuff.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Taken on a case-by-case basis, The Lovely Feathers' clothing choices were perfectly acceptable, but it's obvious these lads haven't had a serious discussion about image. They were sporting a couple of ratty t-shirts, a bright red button-down, a hoody, and an Eliot Brood-style suit. Puzzling haircuts abounded. Yanofsky somehow managed to turn his mop into a reverse mullet: party in the front, business in the back.