Alert The Medic @ CMW 2009

Background / Composition:
This indie rock quartet have been together since 2002 and are still strangely unsigned. They received two Nova Scotia Music Award nominations in 2007 and garnered two East Coast Music Awards nominations the same year. It's easy to see why.

Grade: 81

Comment:
Alert The Medic were the first proper band to play the Music Nova Scotia showcase, which until they took the stage, was dominated by singer/songwriters playing acoustic sets. They were a welcome change in the lineup and man, did they ever wake people up.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It might be surprising that this was the only band I saw jump around on stage, climb on their instruments and flail around like dervishes during Canadian Music Week, but that's certainly the case. Singer/guitarist Ryan MacDonald launched himself into the air and generally tore up the tiny Rivoli stage. He tried to climb on top of a keyboard at the end of the set, which didn't exactly work and he ended up falling over, but the band's entire performance was ripe with youthful enthusiasm.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: N/A
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: G
Organization: G
Audience Participation: S
Sound: G
Composition: G
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Guitarist Troy Arsenault shows great shred potential, and he and bassist Matthew Campbell and drummer Dale Wilson did a great job backing MacDonald up during Alert The Medic's performance. MacDonald's hair was plastered to his face with sweat at the end of their set and you got the feeling that every performance is just as intense for him.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Nova Scotia bands seem to have a thing with looking like they're late '90s alt.rockers, what with their zip-up hoodies, baggy pants and Adidas shoes. They were rampant during Alert The Medic's set. The image may not be all there, but the sound is, and the band will definitely be ones to watch.