Human Highway @ CMW 2009

Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto

on Mar 13 2009

Steve McLean (CHARTattack)

03/14/2009 1:32pm

Background / Composition:
Human Highway are fronted by Islands' Nick Thorburn and Jim Guthrie, who both sing and play guitar. The group are rounded out by a bassist, drummer and keyboardist. The band's Moody Motorcycle debut came out last year.

Grade: 78

Comment:
They opened with a dull instrumental and the second song was pretty lacklustre, too. The third number was quiet, but the harmonies were nice and things generally improved from this point. I liked the album title track and "The Sound," which has an excellent hook, was my favourite. But there was nothing wrong with the other songs in the second half of the set, either.

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: S
Stage Banter: S
Image: S
Appearance: S
Use Of Stage: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Thorburn talked a little bit, but there wasn't much between-song chatter. I appreciated Guthrie's introduction of a song by describing it as a "Japanese psych tune." Thorburn christened a couple of people in the front row, including a CHARTattack photographer, with a maraca.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
There's no denying Thorburn and Guthrie's strengths are in their songwriting, but their shared vocals and harmonies were also striking. The keyboard player probably could have been used more.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Thorburn wore pointy-toed black ankle boots, tight black skinny jeans and a black shiny jacket. He's from Montreal. Guthrie wore running shoes, jeans and a hoodie. He's not from Montreal. The bassist and keyboardist wore cowboy shirts. I don't think they're from Texas. If the first half of Human Highway's set was as good as the second half, they would have received a higher grade.