DAT Politics @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
Trailblazing French chip tune trio.

Grade: 85

Comment:
One of only a handful of international acts at this year's festival, DAT Politics are touring in support of their new album, Mad Kit. Their video game pop got the asses shaking and arms pumping at Wrongbar.

Their music is often described as funny or satirical even though there are no overt jokes. Most likely these critics are reacting to the inherent fun factor in DAT Politics' candy-coated glitch noise. The music itself makes you giddy.

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: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Bias disclosure time: I have a profound weakness for French women. So when I say that watching DAT Politics' vocalist hop around the stage, singing in her digitally distorted squeak was the sexiest moment of the evening you have to sort of scale that back a little in your head. They did look like they were having fun up there.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
DAT Politics' songs are the musical equivalent to a pixilated rainbow. It's melodic, danceable, and fun, but also distorted and genuinely strange enough that it can't be digested by the electro pop mainstream. Come to think of it, if there wasn't already a video game called Mario Party I would want to call D. P's tunes Mario party music.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It has been a full decade since the French trio released their debut album, Tracto Flirt. Ten years is traditionally the tin anniversary, so you should give them... drugs wrapped in aluminum foil?