Two Hours Traffic @ CMW 2009

Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto, ON

on Mar 14 2009

Jen White (CHARTattack)

03/16/2009 11:26am

Background / Composition:
Charlottetown's Two Hours Traffic have been making some pretty big waves with their incredibly catchy pop-rock sound. They caught Joel Plaskett's attention, who has produced all of their albums, including 2007's Polaris Music Prize-nominated Little Jabs.

Grade: 90

Comment:
These boys are really starting to come into their own. While sounding great on disc, Two Hours Traffic have lacked in a live setting in the past, seeming shy and quiet. But now they're filling out their sound, commanding the stage and working the crowd. This is the most confident I've seen them yet.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Two Hours Traffic always seemed reserved on stage, but they definitely exuded more energy and confidence this time around — possibly due to the fact that they were enthusiastically introduced as the first P.E.I. act to headline CMW at the Horseshoe in at least 12 years. The packed crowd cheered and sang along throughout their set.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The quartet debuted some new songs that they're currently recording for their upcoming album, including one called "Territory." They also broke out a lot of classics from Little Jabs: "Stuck For Summer," "Jezebel," "Nighthawks" and "Heroes Of The Sidewalk," which sounded great and had more oomph.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Two Hours Traffic have been holed up in the studio with Plaskett working on a new album, and it's starting to show in THT's attire: frontman Liam Corcoran looked like a young Plaskett, with his tucked-in red dress shirt,
shaggy hair and brown loafers.