Songs From A Room @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
A band named after Leonard Cohen’s second album is attention-worthy, though Songs From A Room are far from poetical. The scruffy five-piece Toronto band, clad in matching indie-chic plaid shirts, looked like cousins of The Sadies and sound more like brothers to Metallica and Black Sabbath.

Grade: 76

Comment:
The 10 o'clock time slot granted a thin crowd, mostly sober. But Songs From A Room didn’t seem to mind. In fact they nearly blew the speakers due to their robust sound. They were heavy on the rock 'n' roll and skinny on the melody, quick translation: this band isn’t for the faint of heart.

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: S
Stage Prescence: G
Stage Banter: S
Image: S
Appearance: S
Use of Stage: G

Strengths/Weakness/Next Step:
First of all, ditch the matching attire and add some individual personalities to the band. Each member in a band is akin to a character in a book, develop that sense of performance. With minimal stage banter, Songs From A Room ploughed through their anthemic cock rock set with barely uttering much more than a hello and thank you. Don’t overburden your audience with unnecessary details, but let them feel somewhat a part of the process.

Musical Analysis
Level of participation: G
Problem solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: G
Organization: E
Audience Participation: S
Sound: S
Composition: S
Songs: S

Strengths/Weakness/Next Step:
There were moments during this set that required pyrotechnics, somewhat along the lines of a Nickleback show. With major rock riffs, good chemistry and a keyboardist who knows how to shake a tambourine, Songs From A Room are performers. Kick up their rock 'n' roll showmanship a notch, diversify their repertoire and there is major potential for stadium rockers here.

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

Strengths/ Weakeness/Next Step:
Songs From A Room are a band late-teenage brothers would love, along with perhaps some old ex-pat heavy metal rockers. On a visual level the band look like every other band, as nothing makes them distinctive enough to be memorable. There is hope though, with a good haircut, perhaps some wardrobe changes and a slight shift of scope in the songs themselves. This band have pure potential.