Modernboys Moderngirls @ CMW 2009

Background / Composition:
Modernboys Moderngirls started generating a buzz last year, and their album I Might As Well Break It climbed on CBC Radio3 charts. They even scored high on previous ChartATTACK report cards. Yet over the year, they lost the Moderngirls part of their band and singer/guitarist Akira Alemany and drummer/singer Brett Millius began performing as a two-piece for a while. Right now, they're kind of in transition.

Grade: 79

Comment:
Oh my indie orgasm fest. Special guests have been performing with MBMG to fill out their live show, and this show had some extra special indie treats: Dave Wickland from Dinosaur Bones joined them on keys and Rajiv Thavanathan from Oh No Forest Fires joined on guitar. While the additions were respectfully noted, MBMG fair much better as a collaboration with lots of performers on stage. Not having the female element hurts the band some.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Normally, Alemany has a bit more presence on stage, but it definitely wasn't nonexistent. He neglected to introduce his mini indie party, which people may not have known otherwise. The banter was minimal, but there were some song introductions, including one for "A Hammond Organ Singing," a softer track that they don't play live very often.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Modernboys Moderngirls make it easy to get sucked into their indie garage hooks with British influences. They play the kind of music that makes you want to dance your face off, but they have the rock 'n' roll to back it up. Their songs are unique and noteworthy, at times ambitious but always poised and passionate. I've just been fortunate enough to see them do better sets than this.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Modernboys just aren't as exciting as a four-piece, but they do still manage to bust out some highly danceable songs such as "My Baby Says Boy Don't You Ever Go." Bottom line: this is a good band that write great songs. I just hope they don't rely too much on last year's buzz for future success.