The Mark Inside @ CMW 2009

The SIlver Dollar Room

Toronto, ON

on Mar 13 2009

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

03/14/2009 11:35am

Background / Composition:
According to The Mark Inside, they recently had a show cancelled at Toronto's Arts & Letters Club when the venue discovered it had booked a kick-ass rock band. Luckily, the Silver Dollar isn't afraid of a little headbanging.

Grade: 84

Comment:
There was so much funk emanating from the stage that more than a few Silver Dollar patrons were moved to engage in raunchy behaviour. It was a technically sound set, and featured some of the night's best guitar playing.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
There was a hell of a lot of set-up involved before The Mark Inside finally started playing, but opening number "There Is Nothing To Admit" made the crowd forget about the wait. At the end of their set, singer/guitarist Chris Levoir invited fans on stage to dance and clap while he jumped into the throng to play. It was shamelessly theatrical, but the audience ate it up. Sweat was flying in all directions and no one seemed to mind the shower.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The Mark Inside have perfected their own funk-rock formula. Levoir's half-spoken, half-shouted vocals are likely the only thing that might turn people away, but the Silver Dollar crowd were totally into it.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
As far as style goes, these guys are cookie-cutter indie rock, but that's not a bad thing. There's nothing to offend and nothing to make fun of.