The Dudes @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
This four-piece band from Calgary are the underdog who just scored. They've been around since 1996, but only recently has their spunky blues rock started turning more and more heads in Canada. Their third album, Blood Guts Bruises Cuts, was released June 2.

Grade: 92

Comment:
This is the only time it's legit to say "these Dudes know their shit." And on top of that, they rocked.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Frontman Dan Vacon was a whiz at banter. He badgered drummer Scott Ross (a.k.a. "The Moustache"), yelled at a guy in the crowd ("I like your audiencing") and explained the song "Pretty Lies" by saying, "Oh, my God, this song is on the radio... don't hate us!" When it wasn't Vacon, it was Ross with his signature drumming crazy faces. Guitarist Bob Quaschnick and bassist Braden Funchner were also very enthusiastic, but would need to turn the dial up just one more notch to compete.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The Dudes were slowed between each song as Ross had to adjust his drums or Quaschnick had monitor problems, but it didn't seem to faze them. Vacon's voice powered them through songs like "Girl Police" and "Ghosts That We're Buried On." When they played an old song, suddenly the long time fans came through and exploded into jumping fits.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Let it be known Vacon is a trooper — he played with a recently broken collarbone. He explained "an awkward story" about taking a lot of painkillers and puking all day, while he stood there with his arm out of a sling. Yet he and the rest of his band pummeled through the songs with more than enough energy. The Dudes filled their set with passion and talent. Just as Vacon said to the crowd, "You can't rock all the time... yes you can."