Timber Timbre @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
A pair of supporting players came out to round out the sound of Timber Timbre progenator, Toronto based singer-songwriter Taylor Kirk. That helped bring his indie-folk out of the basement and onto the stage.

Grade: 80

Comment:
If David Lynch directed Deadwood, he'd soundtrack it with Timber Timbre. While the more deliberate pace of Timber Timbre's indie-folk changed the tone of the evening to a more hushed, reverent affair, the oddly surreal nature of Kirk's work held onto the audience and didn't let go.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
A low stage and seated musicians meant unless you were up front (which I wasn't), or over six feet tall (which I am definitely not — like really, not even remotely close), meant you didn't get to see all that much. It lead to a bit of a disconnect for those of us further back/short people but it's a testament to Kirk's musicianship that he was able to hold on to the audience even with hampered sightlines.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The set started with a richly textured soundscape that made you feel like you'd turned from the bar and somehow landed in the middle of the woods. It imbued the whole set with a eerily serene vibe that only enhanced the skilled songwriting and playing.

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: S
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Timber Timbre garnered the hugest crowd response of the night with his slow burning set and I saw more than a handful of people clutching both vinyl and CD versions of his latest effort. Big things are on the horizon.