Natalie Portman's Shaved Head @ NXNE 2009

El Mocambo

Toronto, ON

on Jun 18 2009

Jessica Lewis (CHARTattack)

06/19/2009 1:45pm

Background/ Composition:
This still unsigned, babyfaced, H&M-loving Seattle electro-dancee group gets right down to the nitty, gritty, sexual grooves. If it's not their name that draws you in, it will be the fact that your entire body is shamelessly shaking.

Grade: 83

Comment:
They were a little too generous with electronic handclaps and simultaneously expected too many real claps in return, but NPSH put on one of the most energetic shows I've seen in a while. Their charisma was the best part of the show. Nothing slowed them down.

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: S
Pronunciation: G
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: N
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
There was no stange banter whatsoever. If NPSH did have this, they would have been very close to the full package. They pummeled through each song so fast that they didn't seem to put much thought into connecting with the audience, other than making them sweat.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The set started late due to set-up problems, but NPSH swung right into things. They play very well together and didn't miss a beat. Most of their songs are about hair styles or something sexual, but hey, that doesn't sound bad at all. Their music is fun and carefree.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
This band are very serious about fashion and partying, and that comes through in their music and performance. They could afford to tone down the fluorescent a notch, as it seems they could be trying too hard, but it's all in good fun. Keyboardist Claire England stunned the crowd when she left her stationary post and became a hyped-up frontwoman whose limbs were flying while singing "Sophisticated Side Ponytail." England and company worked themselves up so much during their set dancing around and using every inch of the stage that it's shocking someone didn't get so excited that they puked.