The Daredevil Christopher Wright @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
This Eau Claire, Wisc. trio just released their debut full-length, In Deference To Broken Back. Drummer Jesse Eddington and guitarist brothers Jon and Jason Sunde take an out-of-left-field approach to folk-pop and rarely sound like the same band for two songs in a row.

Grade: 90

Comment:
If these three left one lasting impression, it's that they've constructed some of the sweetest vocal harmonies in modern music. If the band doesn't work out, they can always fall back on careers as choir directors. Things started slow and artsy, but an extra drum was eventually hauled out and the pace picked up.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It was the Daredevil's first time in Toronto and all three lads were as cordial as you'd want a visiting American band to be. They instigated a number of clap-alongs and also had a weirdly enjoyable singalong, where they got audience members to shout "blood!" at regular intervals.

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:
"We're Not Friends" and "A Conversation About Cancer" were among the most powerful songs of the evening. Even the jerks standing at the bar having a conversation were forced to shut up and listen. During the set's most exciting moments, the rhythm turned tribal, and Jason Sunde took to playing everything in sight with drumsticks. There was a definite Akron/Family ambiance in the air.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
All three men were wearing shorts. One pair looked like a bathing suit and another was cut-off jeans — the sort your mom makes for you when the holes in the knees of your jeans become too big to patch. I don't know how bands dress in Wisconsin, but it was a little weird for Toronto. Eddington also had an impressive beard.