Radio Radio @ CMW 2009

El Mocambo

Toronto, ON

on Mar 12 2009

Aisha Khan (CHARTattack)

03/13/2009 2:07pm

Background/Composition:
This hip-hop fivesome from Moncton, NB offer electro rock in what can only be called "franglais" (or "Chiac," an unwritten Acadian dialect that combines old French with English and slang influenced by Bostonians and Caribbean immigrants). They quote Roots Manuva, John Coltrane and Ace Of Base as direct influences. The lineup includes MC Jacobus, DJ Tekstyle, MC Timo, VJ Pan and Lekx.

Grade: 75

Comment:
Its hard to form an opinion of this band. Radio Radio echo same problem rockers had with The Darkness: while all the hip-hop skill is there, and the electro splicing is an innovative touch, you can't help but wonder if it's all a joke. The chops are there, the sincerity isn't. And we all know gag bands have no future (unless you're Weird Al, and they're not).

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:
These guys had stage presence to burn, although their clearly inebriated state may have contributed to that. "I love corded mics!" MC Jacobus shouted out sarcastically, "They allow us to get around so much better! Look, we can jump rope too!" Meanwhile, the other members broke out into a crunk robot.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Radio Radio spit mad tight rhymes, although you likely wouldn't understand a friggin word of it. There were very few actual instruments on stage, just a series of Macbooks. The grade would be higher if they didn't smack of irony quite so much.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
There was lots going on in terms of disposable fashion. Gaudy eyewear, striped wife-beaters, trucker hats, faux fur scarves, you name it! The only downside is that it all came off like a costume, a distracting one at that. They'd be better off making a few choice ironic nods over a dozen half-ass ones.