We Are Wolves @ CMW 2009

Background/Composition:
This Montreal foursome (the fourth member being ROCK) offer frenetic post-punk that has tastemakers like Spin and Pitchfork fawning all over them. The lineup includes vocalist and bassist Alexander Ortiz, keyboardist/backing vocalist Vincent Levesque and drummer/vocalist Antonin Marquis. Their name is actually pronounced "nous sommes loups." The W is silent.

Grade: 83

Comment:
Comparisons to The Hives were hard to shake in this reviewer's mind, except these guys employ robot voice vocal effects and turned the teeny tiny El Mocambo into a big stadium rave. So it's more like The Hives and Paul Oakenfold's lovechild.

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:
This band understands that in order to properly rile up an audience, they have to have more fun on stage than everyone else combined. Ortiz induced clapalongs, singalongs, soccer chants, and every other kind of audience participation imaginable. The band did stop, however, for a mid-set combing of their hair. Very important.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
We Are Wolves are a super-tight outfit. They play hard, fast, and unrelentingly loud. Their energy could take any size venue and turn it into a giant pulsating club floor. The vocals were nearly inaudible except the screaming. Let it be known that only truly proficient drummers can make maracas rock.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
While the asymmetrical haircuts, superfluous scarves, and flashy footwear were all present, these things weren't distracting. They set a tone and let the dudes move ahead with the rocking.