Vancougar @ CMW 2009

Background/ Composition:
Vancougar are an all-female quartet from Vancouver whose latest album, Canadian Tuxedo, was released last summer by Mint Records.

Grade: 80

Comment:
These ladies obviously enjoy what they do, and they're pretty good at it. There's a definite retro vibe to their music, but they're not a total throwback to the '60s.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
I confess that I was talking a bit with friends and drinking beer while watching Vancougar's set, so I didn't catch much of their stage banter. But they seemed like nice people when I said "Hi" to them backstage.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
I'm a huge garage rock fan and, while Vancougar can't be perfectly slotted into that niche, they come close enough. They rock pretty hard at times, there's some fuzzed-out bass and the keyboards sound good. Lead singer Eden Fineday's voice is just fine, too.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
All the band members were colourfully attired in cool-looking outfits, which augmented their music. While I may like Vancougar slightly more in theory than in actual practice, their set was enjoyable and I have no hesitation in recommending that you try to catch a performance.