The Artist Life @ CMW 2009

Background / Composition:
The Artist Life are a solid pop-punk band from Toronto featuring ex-members of The Fullblast, Jersey, Always Outnumbered, Jude The Obscure and At The Mercy Of Inspiration. Guitarist/vocalist Dean Richards is also a high school English teacher and singer/guitarist Ian Blackwood is part of the TV show Instant Star.

Grade: 88

Comment:
Anyone quick to disregard these guys for their pop-punk hooks obviously has no appreciation for Ontario's punk-rock history. This is no Ajax, Ont. bullshit; this is a full-out rock show with solid songs and stellar live performances. I always look forward to watching these guys play and this set was no exception.

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: E
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The Artist Life really put their all into their performances, which makes watching them a lot of fun. They encouraged audience participation with old fashioned punk-rock chants that made the Bovine feel like summers at the Warped Tour. Their charm and talent was undeniable, forcing cynics to look past their catchy songs and Blackwood's dyed blonde, spiky hair and embrace the fun that is The Artist Life.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The Bovine was at capacity for this set and the audience was revved up. There was great crowd participation, but had this show taken place when I was 15, there would've been mad moshpits instead of drunken fist-pumping. Every member of this band successfully honed their instrument and provided an element of passion reminiscent of when I used to go see Jersey. While all these comparisons reference Ontario punks of the recent past, rest assured that The Artist Life are sound current and can still hold their own with their fresh songs and ideas.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
There really isn't anything bad to say about The Artist Life unless you're one of those people who get too old to keep up the punk faith. Thankfully, I'm not, and neither was the crowd at the Bovine. This set was one of the best of the night. The Artist Life really know how to rock and put on a good show, so I will continue to watch these guys and love my life while doing so.