The King Khan & BBQ Show @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
The King Khan & BBQ Show are known for wearing revealing, Middle Eastern-inspired costumes and playing swanky, blues-infused rock 'n' roll. It's distorted guitars and a lone kick drum all the way for this duo, which means their live show is much more about the spectacle than the music itself.

Grade: 81

Comment:
King Khan & BBQ had already made a surprise appearance during the Black Lips' set on Thursday night at Yonge-Dundas Square and played a show of their own at the Horseshoe Tavern that same night, so it was a sweet surprise to find out that they were the "Special Guest" at Lee's Palace last evening.

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: S
Image: E
Appearance: E x 1000
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
If I had a belly like Khan's, there's a good chance I would feel uncomfortable playing to a packed venue clad in nothing but my skinny jeans, a cape and gold body paint. Yet, as Khan slithered his way over to the front of the stage and dipped his guitar over the heads of the sweat-soaked audience, the hands of every woman in the vicinity shot up as if he was a snake charmer coaxing them out of their baskets. Note to self: Gold body paint is hot.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
With the audience already in a fine frenzy thanks to No Age's raucous opening set, the dancing began as soon as Khan and BBQ hit their first note. Bodies collided as the duo fired out quick, gritty numbers like crowd-favourites "Waddlin' Around" and "Zombies" (which contains the hook "I DON'T GIVE A FUCK!"). But there's only so much you can do with powerchords, blues-scales and a kick drum, which means each song is virtually the same. No one seemed to mind, though, and the band's unremitting energy kept the audience's attention even when the songs themselves didn't.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
While robes, turbans and chain-link belly-shirts may be throwbacks to ancient Middle Eastern culture, Khan & BBQ turn traditional ensembles into outrageous costumes that are just as sexy as they are unsexy. There's something strangely entrancing about Khan's belly, and watching it jiggle to the beat of BBQ's kick drum is truly something to behold.