The Lovely Feathers @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
This Montreal quintet were in town celebrating the release of their latest full-length, Fantasy Of The Lot. According to their bio, their energetic pop "almost ruled the world" back in 2006.

Grade: 89

Comment:
It can't be easy to employ that amount of energy that close to sunrise. "Long Walks," "Pope John Paul" and "In The Valley" all kicked the crowd's ass.

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:
Quite a few people stuck around for this 2 a.m. set and the Feathers were clearly grateful.

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:
At their Canadian Music Week performance, The Lovely Feathers' set list was still leaning heavily to the side of their Hind Hind Legs album. When they did haul out new tunes, they seemed tentative and rusty. Things were different on this NXNE night. Fantasy Of The Lot's songs dominated the set and sounded well-practiced.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
I've seen The Lovely Feathers a few times now and I can't shake the feeling that they've worn exactly the same clothing every time (or at least extremely similar clothing). It's time to expand the wardrobe, boys. Vocalist/guitarist Richard Yanofsky was involved in a huge hair showdown with Jason Collett. Collett won, but only barely.