Matt Mays & El Torpedo @ CMW 2009

Lee’s Palace

Toronto, ON

on Mar 12 2009

Travis Persaud (CHARTattack)

03/13/2009 2:10pm

Background/Composition:
Matt Mays & El Torpedo bring a unique East Coast twist to garage and country/folk-rock that's heard on their latest offering, Terminal Romance.

Grade: 90

Comment:
Wow, Matt Mays surely brought it. The Halifax-bred songwriter, who started to make a name for himself as a member of The Guthries, held nothing back as his band headlined Lee's. With five shaggy heads swinging back and forth on stage, and endless jam sessions, Mays left the crowd wanting more at the end of the evening.

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: E
Image: G
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
With his hair falling in his face, Mays took time throughout the set to introduce his friend who came to play guitar, to talk about their exploits the day before the show, or to set up the next song. It was never overdone, but came across as a conversation he was actually having with the audience. The other members, while they didn't speak much, showed their character as they played. Keyboardist Adam Baldwin, who was hidden behind a stack of amps, jumped about as if he was in his own world, while bassist Andy Patil kept the rhythm section lively.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It seemed like every song ended in a 10-minute jam session — complete with multiple guitar solos, yelps and screams from all members, gyrating bodies, sweaty hair flying around and a general sense of ecstasy. And the crowd felt the same way. They sang along to every song, and while the band were jamming, they swayed back and forth as if in a trance. If any Canadian rock band has hypnotic powers, it’s definitely Mays and El Torpedo.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
A great moment came when Mays invited his friend to come and sing what he called "a camp fire song" with him. By the end of the country/folk tune, Mays had a few other band members huddled around one microphone to sing the chorus. Perhaps he felt the sense of unity within the room and wanted to experience it on stage. Whatever it was, it highlighted a brilliant set from an exceptional band.