Slim Twig @ CMW 2009

Gladstone Hotel

Toronto, ON

on Mar 12 2009

David Missio (CHARTattack)

03/13/2009 1:02pm

Background/Composition:
It's not just anyone that can draw Nick Cave comparisons and actually back them up. Slim Twig (backed by the Mercy Mercenaries) is shit hot and he knows it — it seems that's part of the persona. A little Lou Reed, a little Iggy Pop and even a little David Bowie, there's something familiar and exciting about the pencil thin guy in the suit and it's not just his pompadour. And electro-rockabilly? Toronto's not big enough for Slim.

Grade: 94

Comment:
The enlarged Eye Weekly cover featuring Slim loomed ominously over the Gladstone for most of the night (when it wasn't unceremoniously falling down, that is). The hype surrounding Slim led to some pretty high expectations, and while new band members were certainly settling in, it's hard to say that these guys could've possibly disappointed.

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:
Though two new members seemed a bit out of place at times, Slim's presence more than made up for it. His spastic bombast helped draw the audience into a raucous performance that just never let up.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
At times, Slim Twig sounds like a dark twisted carnival. With teetering keyboards and shredding chicken pickin' guitars, it's Slim's howl that finally topples everything over the edge.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Slim Twig just oozes a certain type of grungy, dirty cool that everyone wants a piece of. Plus, not just anyone could pull off hair that perfect. Once the band settles in, there'll just be no stopping these guys.