Elliott Brood @ CMW 2009

Background / Composition:
Elliott Brood are a Toronto-based trio that took the indie rock world by storm with 2008's Mountain Meadows. They used to lean towards a country/bluegrass aesthetic, but have lately morphed into wall-of-guitar rockers.

Grade: 96

Comment:
Mid-set, the trio opened up a Santa sack and tossed aluminum plates and wooden spoons into the crowd in an attempt to initiate a percussion-along. It was obvious pandering, but what rock fan doesn't like to be doted on by their idols? They might have nailed a perfect score had they'd closed with crowd favourite "Oh, Alberta."

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: E
Pronunciation: G
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Guitarist Casey Laforet, who very rarely leaves his chair, leapt to the front of the stage and rocked out during the intro to "The Bridge." It got the crowd seriously pumped.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It's perpetually amusing that, instead of getting electric guitars, Elliott Brood plough on with their acoustics and run them through so many effects pedals that they sound like electrics. It's overkill, but it's damned impressive regardless. If anyone in the crowd didn't already have Mountain Meadows, they surely will soon.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
These are the sort of guys you want to bring home to your parents. I don't think I've ever seen them not wearing ties.