Pterodactyl @ NXNE 2009

Sneaky Dee's

Toronto, ON

on Jun 19 2009

Evan Dickson (CHARTattack)

06/20/2009 1:09pm

Background/ Composition:
This guitar/guitar/drums trio from Brooklyn, New York lives in frequencies that other bands apologize for.

Grade: 87

Comment:
I've been in love with Pterodactyl ever since I saw the video for their sublime single "Polio" on YouTube. (Look it up.) I was a little disappointed by the slightly slower version they opened their set with at Sneaky's. Really, I thought they should have ramped up the tension overall. They let us off too easily. It's not sex until it hurts a little, right?

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: S
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Pterodactyl's presentation was bare bones. They wore normal person clothes. They thanked the other bands. They mostly just played their songs. All three members sang in a high-pitched tone that must have been digitally altered. At least half the bands I've seen this year have used some kind of vocal manipulation. Is this a trend or just coincidence?

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Pterodactyl's secret ingredient is their drummer, Matt Marlin. Without his blitzkrieg drum rolls, the dual electric guitar squeals are just so much feedback wanking. At their best, the band's high pitch speed pop feels like an emergency shot of adrenaline.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
That their set was just very good and not completely mind-blowing is actually a source of concern for me. What if that amazing YouTube video is actually the peak of my experience with them. I'll keep buying their albums and going to shows, but I'll always be a little bit disappointed. Pterodactyl's biggest problem is they are too good even for themselves.