Xavier Cafeine @ NXNE 2009

Yonge-Dundas Square

Toronto, ON

on Jun 18 2009

Bianca Marcus (CHARTattack)

06/19/2009 12:41pm

Background/
Composition:
Xavier Cafeine and his backing band are a trim pop-punk act from Montreal. Cafeine takes Bad Brains and Black Flag as examples for his live show, so expectations were high. All lyrics were in French — represent, yo!

Grade: 87

Comment:
Xavier and company gave a solid and steady performance, without the teeny angst that so many pop-punk bands ascribe to. They looked like pros, sounded like pros, and had the drive necessary to take them to the next level. They went on at 7, just as Yonge-Dundas was beginning to fill up.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Cafeine was in tune with his audience, even though most of them had no idea wtf he was singing about. He did assure everyone, though, that the lyrics were bad anyway, so we weren't missing out... sure, Xavier, you rascal, you! Talk about a well-dressed band... this guy took the classic punk look and made it look — dare I say it — classy!

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Cafeine and his band are at the age when it's not cool to jerk around anymore. Yes, they're in a punk band, but no, that does not mean being angry and stickin' it to the man is always the best option if you want to get paid. They were polished and had their shit together.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Mr. Cafeine and his band made pop-punk into something sleek and accessible to all (barring the language barrier, which is an N/A here). I can see them filling up bars and stadiums alike. They were clearly dedicated musicians and true professionals at their craft, so I thank them for that.