The Spleen @ CMW 2009

Background / Composition:
This five-piece emo band are from Quebec City. Their sound is a little bit My Chemical Romance, a little bit more symphonic and much more over the top.

Grade: 72

Comment:
I know what you're thinking: An emo band called The Spleen? Yeah... the name doesn't really work, guys. If you call yourself The Spleen, you're almost asking to be the brunt of people's jokes. Nonetheless, these guys put on a solid show.

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: G
Stage Banter: N
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
They barely engaged the audience throughout their set, but The Spleen's ridiculously over the top brand of emo had at least one enthusiastic man wearing a Jason mask dancing in the front row, throwing up gang signs and raising his beer in the air. I'm not sure serial killers are their demo, however.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Imagine a singer with a voice that sounds somewhat like My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way mixed with Matthew Bellamy from Muse, but with way, way, way more amusing hand gestures and facial expressions thrown in and you've got The Spleen's Francis. The band have the overdramatic emo thing down perfectly, and while their songs may not be for everyone, they've already honed their live show and stage presence. It'll be interesting to see what they can do with a few more shows outside Quebec.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The Spleen dress all in black and look like Simple Plan — their get-up is a combination of white suspenders, black leather jackets, white belts, sciatica inducing jeans and Converse shoes. They were probably the most image conscious act of the evening. But for God's sake... change your name, PLEASE.