The Bicycles @ CMW 2009

Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto, ON

on Mar 13 2009

Jen White (CHARTattack)

03/14/2009 12:49pm

Background / Composition:
This lovable Toronto quintet have two great albums filled with '60s-inspired bubblegum pop under their belts — the latest of which, Oh No, It's Love, recently topped the campus charts for several weeks.

Grade: 87

Comment:
Oh no, it's done! This was The Bicycles' last show, and many came to the 'Shoe for one last ride.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It's always awkward to see your ex. In this case, everyone knew it was essentially The Bicycles' last show before their "indefinite hiatus," and you could feel that foreboding sense onstage between the band members. An audience member yelled out, "Don't break up!" to which the band replied, a little sourly, that we all have to grow up sometime and accept change.

This little exchange seemed to relax the band members, and they soon started to settle into their set, and so did the crowd, who started dancing, singing and clapping along more feverishly as the band's set progressed. The Bikes also made jokes about their break-up songs, including "I Know We Have To Be Apart," "Walk Away (From A Good Thing)" and "Gotta Get Out," and when singer/guitarist Matt Beckett mentioned that Handsome Furs were next on the bill, he joked if they were interested in becoming a trio, he was looking for a gig. Sigh!

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The Bicycles switched instruments onstage and kept the crowd engaged with their brand of indie pop. Their syrupy-sweet harmonies were also perfectly in tune. While it was a fun set, there was inherently a twinge of sadness in everything they played.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Multi-instrumentalist Andrew Scott donned a wonderfully '70s-inspired get-up, with his fro, moustache and down vest, while singer/guitarist Drew Smith rocked the lumberjack look with a red flannel shirt and a toque. The rest of the band looked pretty unassuming in T-shirts and jeans.