The British Columbians @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
This Vancouver four-piece proved that driving 5,000 miles across Canada was worth it as they started the night with a bang at Toronto's legendary venue.

Grade: 85

Comment:
The British Columbians had the 8 p.m. slot with a sparse crowd in a dimmed candle-lit setting. They immediately brightened the atmosphere with crunching blues guitar harmonies that remained tight throughout the set. But it was lead singer Girard Knox who stole the spotlight with soulful vocals and a passionate bond with his guitar. The band displayed effortless teamwork by recovering promptly from a blown guitar amp, just in time for the pockets of crowds that started to fill the empty spaces of the venue. Although they didn't communicate with the audience particularly well, the band got a warm response by the end of their set.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Knox dominated the stage, and loosely whirled his guitar around his body while he played with precision. The band could have intensified the coolness of their blues rock image by trading in plain-coloured plaid shirts, baggy jeans and black paddy hats for something more eye-catching. Although Knox failed at times to speak clearly to the audience between songs, he redeemed himself by concluding the set on a heartfelt note: "It is such a fucking honour to play here. As a kid growing up, this place was legendary."

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Knox carried the soul of the band and switched from smooth vocals to wild shouts with ease. Drummer Dave Moran assisted Knox on vocals, and his determination was evident as he never failed to hit each and every beat with gusto. The pair's teamwork was especially clear when Moran started the opening beat to the next song while Knox worked on replacing a busted amp without any indication of panic. Owen Connell successfully tackled guitar, keys and tambourine, and made the transitions look like second nature.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It was clear The British Columbians were hoping for a later set, since they admitted they never play so early. Luckily, the band's magnetic blues rock sound pulled in enough fans that the time slot was insignificant. The band's shining stage presence also made up for their boring style, and the audience's attentiveness was maintained from beginning to end.