Hot Panda @ NXNE 2009

Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto, ON

on Jun 20 2009

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

06/22/2009 1:14pm

Background/ Composition:
This Edmonton-based four-piece have an EP and a full-length under their belts. Their long-player, Volcano... Bloody Volcano, has been tearing up the charts since its release. According to their bio, Hot Panda are touring Ghostbusters-style, in a refurbished 1977 ambulance.

Grade: 91

Comment:
The Horseshoe crowd was starting to thin a bit, but those that remained knew what they were in for. Hot Panda inspired the night's first significant attempt at dancing. The energy was palpable.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Hot Panda were definitely the most talkative bunch of the night. Their conversations did tend to meander, but drummer Maghan Campbell — seemingly the band's most level-headed member — was always prepared to get things back on track. "You know what would be appropriate?" she had to ask her bandmates once. "The next song."

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Hot Panda's style is impossible to pin down. Their songs are all over the map and tend to change gears a few times before they end. They had an unknown guest trumpet player in tow for this show. She wasn't on board for every song but the brass definitely made a difference when it was utilized.

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: S
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The bad: Why do some musicians insist upon wearing hoodies (hood up) on stage? Something to hide? Bad hair day? It certainly can't be comfortable. The good: That mystery trumpeter's Aquaman shirt kicked ass.