The Waking Eyes @ CMW 2009

Lee’s Palace

Toronto, ON

on Mar 12 2009

Travis Persaud (CHARTattack)

03/13/2009 2:03pm

Background/Composition:
This Winnipeg indie rock quartet are riding the wave of success from their latest album, Holding On To Whatever It Is, which has received critical acclaim from coast to coast.

Grade: 87

Comment:
It's hard to imagine Matt Peters and Rusty Matyas producing CD quality vocals live, but that’s exactly what they did. With the vast range of melodies on their latest album, it's astounding to hear them replicate every note — not only with ease, but with energy and an extra umph. That type of fluid perfection flowed throughout the night, even without their own gear.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Whether they were on guitar or piano, Peters and Matyas entered their own world as they sung, but left the door open for everyone to join. At no point did it seem like they were being exclusionary when they had their eyes closed (Peters on "Holding On To Whatever It Is"), or brash when they screamed (Matyas on "Keep Me Coming Back"). Bassist Joey Penner, who at first looked a bit lost, was the perfect balance standing between the two singers. His steady bass lines didn’t overtake the vocal duo, but instead complemented their chemistry.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The Waking Eyes had the crowd captivated from their first note. Lee’s was almost packed when they hit the stage and every head was bouncing along to their danceable indie rock — even the "suits" (presumably industry folk) who were sitting against the back wall. They created a euphoric atmosphere when every member was singing along, especially on the closing track "All Empires Fall" and "Wolves At The Door."

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
What made their set that much more impressive was the fact they raced through their 45 minutes without their own equipment. Unable to drive across from Winnipeg because of horrendous weather, they had to go without some of the effects they utilize — notably a sustain pedal for the keys. But they pulled it off so well that the crowd wouldn't have known if they didn't mention it.

Later, Matyas took a short interlude to explain his love for ketchup and how the rest of the band encouraged him to contact Heinz. Well, he’s now an unofficial spokesperson for the company, as they sent him tons of product and T-shirts, which he ended up throwing into the crowd. It was a great moment of comedy amidst their undeniably spotless set.