The Golden Dogs @ CMW 2009

Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto, ON

on Mar 14 2009

Sarah Kurchak (CHARTattack)

03/16/2009 1:42pm

Background / Composition:
They're a lively quintet led by husband-and-wife duo Dave Azzolini (guitar/vocals) and Jessica Grassia (keyboards/vocals) that play songs packed with well-crafted melodies and boisterous choruses. Around these parts, they're usually just referred to as "one of the best bands in Toronto."

Grade: 91

Comment:
The Golden Dogs have set the bar so damned high in the past that this set fell just a little short of expectations. It's unfair and totally picking on the gifted kid for not being perfect all of the time, but that's the problem with being as ridiculously awesome as this band are: even when you are amazing by any rational standard, people know you're capable of more.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
As usual, Azzolini and Grassia owned the stage with their charisma and boundless energy and enthusiasm. This set did feature a welcome new addition to the band's live show, though: Grassia taking centre stage for a song. It was also completely adorable and cockle-warming when the couple shared the mic for the choruses.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The set started off slowly and quietly (at least for this band), but built well with some very promising new material and a slightly rockier take on "Birdsong" that sounded amazing. The build continued right through to a rousing take on "Saints At The Gates" and then just... stopped. It was a little anti-climactic and felt like things were ending just as they were starting to reach their full potential. But even a slightly off night for The Golden Dogs is still pretty darned amazing, so we won't complain too much. They were still one of the best bands at the festival.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
An actual conversation during the set: "Dave's wearing that hat because he thinks he can score points with us, but we've already seen the 'gorilla suit.' That's not going to cut it." "That's going in the report card." "He looks like Sherlock Holmes." Two songs later, Azzolini had some sort of ridiculous-looking visor on his head. The very fact that he had multiple headwear changes won us over, gorilla suit or not.