Luke Doucet, Justin Rutledge and NQ Arbuckle @ NXNE 2009

Lee's Palace

Toronto, ON

on Jun 18 2009

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

06/19/2009 3:34pm

Background/  Composition:
Six Shooter Records' Outlaws & Gunslingers Showcase featured a series of triple-threat rounds, with Blue Rodeo's Glenn Milchem and Bazil Donovan acting as backup band. The evening's third and final improvised trio — starring three of this country's hottest folk-rock commodities — was aimed at making the ladies swoon.

Grade: 90

Comment:
OK, Arbuckle isn't quite as dreamy as the other two lads, but his personality makes up for it. The crowd was on board from the moment he yelled "Welcome to 11 o'clock, motherfuckers!" These three were clearly victorious in the battle of the superbands.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Arbuckle may be a class clown, but he's also a natural band leader. He swears a lot, but he's always congenial. Rutledge took over crowd engagement duties near the end of the set and instigated a singalong to his song "Don't Be So Mean, Jellybean."

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It was obvious that these guys had taken the time to learn each other's songs; there was no need for crib notes. Their opening number, Arbuckle's "I Liked You Right From The Start," was one of the best performances of the night. Doucet gave his "Blood's Too Rich" an interesting treatment and instructed Arbuckle and Rutledge to each sing a verse. The trio closed with Doucet's "First Day (In the New Hometown)" and the crowd ate it up.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Clothing was a little ragtag. These three put plenty of work into the music, but obviously didn't have a wardrobe meeting. Doucet was wearing the tightest jeans known to man, Rutledge had donned something that looked like a UPS uniform and Arbuckle looked like he was fresh off a trip to Value Village.