Women @ CMW 2009

Background/Composition:
This Albertan four-piece was "discovered" by indie legend Chad VanGaalen and have since been riding the wave of success that followed their self-titled debut. They're sometimes noisy, sometimes pop-friendly, and always difficult to figure out.

Grade: 80

Comment:
What gives? This was false advertising: It was a bunch of dudes. One of the dudes was VanGaalen — and yes, he's a little dreamy — but still, this was an irony overload.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
I'm not sure if these lads noticed that there was an audience in front of them. The couple greetings that did leave the stage may just have been directed at the sound guy. The crowd didn't really mind; it was obvious that they'd come because they love the album. All it took was a few drum beats at the start of every song, and the crowd would burst into cheers, having already realized what was about to be played.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Women's album is an intriguing listen on headphones, but it's not really a party record. A Women live performance mirrors that divide: it's staggeringly good music if you close your eyes and pretend you're at home, but kinda boring if you want something to watch. They do take home the prize for fiercest guitar assaults of the night. At times, it was like listening to a Deerhunter performance.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It's easy to see why VanGaalen likes these guys — their sound is like a wall-of-guitar-added version of his helter-skelter pop. Once they realize there's a crowd in front of them, they'll be poised for bigger and better things.