Band Of Skulls @ NXNE 2009

El Mocambo

Toronto, ON

on Jun 20 2009

Ciara McCann (CHARTattack)

06/22/2009 12:36pm

Background/ Composition:
This British blues rock power trio hails all the way from Southhampton, England. The band's take-no-shit attitude and gritty guitar riffs inspired the most emphatic of all responses at the Elmo this night.

Grade: 98

Comment:
Something magical happened when this threesome hit the stage. The elements of the magic included bassist Emma Richardson's commanding stage presence, the close connectedness between members, an effortlessly dark, badass style, and an overall in-your-face hard rock sound.

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: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Richardson did her best to share the spotlight with her fellow vocalist/guitarist Russel Marsden and drummer Matt Hayward, but she couldn't help but steal the show with a determined stare out into the audience that said, "You better listen to this and like it." Marsden was a little less confrontational than Richardson and had a Kurt Cobain quality about him that was just as attractive. Marsden's long blond locks covered his eyes and he wore a tight-fitted leather jacket, which meant his heart-wrenching, raspy vocals took on a mysterious flair. Hayward's burly brown beard and slicked back hair resembled a polished and genuinely cool Joaquin Phoenix.

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:
Just when you thought Band Of Skulls' sound could not get any better, it did. "I Know What I Am" was the highlight of the night. Richardson and Marsden's shared vocals meshed superbly well, while the song was carried by the backbone of Hayward's steady beat. The strong connectedness between members was evident as they had bonding moments where they would face one another with their instruments and share a secret acknowledgement of just how good they were.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Band Of Skulls' electric image and contagious sound gave the band the power to hold the audience's attention and admiration without having to use any sort of stage banter or witty remarks. The key to their success on stage was that they didn't have to try to look cool. I think I speak for a large majority of the crowd when I say I wish their set never ended.