Amos The Transparent @ CMW 2009

Rancho Relaxo

Toronto, ON

on Mar 13 2009

Erik Missio (CHARTattack)

03/14/2009 12:14pm

Background / Composition:
This six-piece band is from our nation's capital. Jonathan Chandler does most of the singing and fronting. He's backed by guitarist/pianist/drummer Mark Hyne, bassist James Nicol, Dan Hay, Kate Cooke, and drummer Christopher Wilson. Chandler's up and centre, but the rest of the band contributes vocals, claps, and shouts.

Grade: 87

Comment:
Amos The Transparent successfully combine the storytelling of the Lowest of The Low with explosions of punk and guitar rock. There's some harmonizing, a lot of ooohs and yeahs, a few jam-outs and a lot of shout-outs. They had the crowd on their side and confided to us that they liked Toronto better than Ottawa. We liked them back.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The band are confident in their abilities and in their relationship with the audience, two things many other artists lack. They genuinely looked like they were having a great time up there, and such joy was infectious for those watching. The obvious importance put upon the lyrics meant you kept your attention on stage. And then the guitars would kick in...

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The band seemed almost humbled by the number of those in the audience singing along with the songs. Said songs were fun; especially the boy/girl vocals and occasional shouts from the backing players. The band's tight, but will get tighter. One gets the impression that while the newly available EP may well be a step forward from the debut album, it's just another step on the evolutionary ladder for this band.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
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 frontman looks uncomfortably like my brother, which I found distracting, but not necessarily off-putting. The band looks like they enjoy each others' company, which is always nice. As for cool equipment, I'm no gearhead, but those guitars looked pretty. Playing a guitar with a bow also equals coolness.