Dinosaur Bones @ CMW 2009

Background / Composition:
Dinosaur Bones are a five-piece that play haunting, moody rock and they're all the rage in Toronto these days. They’re kind of like The Jonas Brothers of indie rock: they’re cute moppets, they work the kids up into a downright crazy fervour and no one over a certain age seems to really grasp what all the fuss is about.

Grade: 79

Comment:
The band are already packing and downright owning the 'Shoe on their own, so a certain amount of insanity was expected for their 8:30 p.m. CMW showcase. While the crowd didn’t quite live up to the expected crush, the band’s set did draw a healthy audience and anyone who can coax chronically late Torontonians out of their homes before 11 p.m. should be commended. Those who did show were treated to a solid — if somewhat sleepy — set.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Keeping the banter to a calm, cool minimum with the usual pleasantries and playing their particular brand of slow, atmospheric rock, Dinosaur Bones were a nice, soothing initiation into the night of rock ahead.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Dinosaur Bones are a good band. They write subtly addictive songs and they play them well. "NYE," the dreamy opus that served as their closing song, has the potential to be a pretty big hit. There’s nothing particularly wrong with the band except for the fact that they just don't seem to be worth the titanic amount of shit that's already been lost over them.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Remember when George Michael was dating Ann on Arrested Development, and his family was all: "Really?... Her?" Well, Dinosaur Bones are a bit of a musical Ann.