The Week That Was @ CMW 2009

Gladstone Hotel

Toronto, ON

on Mar 12 2009

David Missio (CHARTattack)

03/13/2009 12:53pm

Background/Composition:
This is impressive key-driven pop from the U.K. that borrows as much from the Talking Heads as it does from Kate Bush, Brian Eno and even Genesis — for starters.

Grade: 84

Comment:
Built from the shattered remains of its art-pop predecessor Field Music, The Week That Was features some fantastic tribal-style percussion amidst really cleverly structured pop melodies. They also have such charming accents.

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: G
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The Week That Was kept the audience thoroughly engaged throughout, shifting around on stage, sharing instruments and proving themselves to be accomplished and confident performers.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Stellar musicianship and extremely well-crafted songs created a thinking man's pop sound with more than a hint of '80s nostalgia. The thought that this band are normally nine people strong boggles the mind.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
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:
Apparently, this is one of the final shows for TWTW as Field Music are reforming, thanks to some brotherly reconciliation. Hopefully there will be more from these guys under this moniker in the future because it would be a shame not to see where they could go from here.