The D'Urbervilles @ CMW 2009

SIlver Dollar

Toronto, ON

on Mar 13 2009

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

03/14/2009 12:06pm

Background / Composition:
Who could hate a band that takes its name from a Thomas Hardy book?

Grade: 86

Comment:
Most of the Silver Dollar's patrons stuck around for this 1 a.m. set, even though it meant they'd miss the last subway train. That definitely speaks to how much these lads are liked — it was a cold night and Torontonians don't like to walk.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Props! During one song, vocalist/guitarist John O’Regan pulled out a book and pretended to read from it while singing. It wasn't clear why, but it looked neat.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The D'Urbs have a creepy spy groove lurking just below the surface of most of their songs. It's like a brooding amalgamation between Joy Division and the Talking Heads.

Mid set, the Silver Dollar started to fill up with obnoxious and drunk university kids who had left College Street bars in search of more booze. Those that were interested in the music started a dance party at the front of the stage. There were a number of broken glasses.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Wardrobe was questionable at best. Drummer Greg Santilly was wearing a basketball jersey. Up until the show started, O’Regan had been setting up while wearing a hoodie (hood up) and a backpack. He looked like a terrorist bomber.