Black Hat Brigade @ CMW 2009

Background / Composition:
The boys in this Brampton, Ont. quintet continually switched around their instruments, and there are two main singers: one is dramatic, the other all shouty staccato. Despite their name, none wore black hats. This was immeasurably disappointing, but the music made up for it.

Grade: 84

Comment:
With hints of Modest Mouse and Wolf Parade, the band presented epic-yet-fun, danceable, angular rock with keys that sounded like they could've been taken from the hypothetical soundtrack of a super-great 8-bit Nintendo game. The biggest departure was this one song that sounded very much like something off-duty pirates would sing in a bar while waving around mugs of overflowing ale. A great thing, in other words.

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:
The high energy of the gentlemen on stage kept the audience's attention transfixed (although it did sound like there was some hometown support). While the band did forgo the potential awesomeness of black hats (Fedoras? Stetsons? Come on!), one guitarist wore a red/white/blue cap, and a shirt with a panda. The reckless abandon with which they played greatly added to their stage presence.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Songs — especially the less-structured jam freak-outs — were extremely catchy and demanded dancing, or at the very least, bopping in place. The audience obliged. The band showed great teamwork skills by doubling up on the drumming for a couple of songs. Also, the continual instrument-switching showed the multi-talents of the players.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
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:
The lack of black hats really bugs me. Black hats are COOL, dammit.