Said The Whale @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
This Vancouver band creates blissful and delicate pop rock when they're not taking kudos from Perez Hilton or getting pulled over by the police on 4/20.

Grade: 91

Comment:
These guys (and girl) provided a jam-packed set of great harmonies and showed diverse songs that touched on blues, pop and rock.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Before playing their Sun-Rype commercial hit (it's catchy) "The Light Is You," vocalist Ben Worcester yelled out to a friend in the crowd, "This is for you, Shad!" The group had some other small banter and had the crowd loving them right from the start.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Said The Whale played many songs off last year's Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia as well as their newest catchy single, "The Magician (Camilo)," and proved their strength lies in the harmonies between vocalists/guitarists Worcester and Tyler Bancroft. They provided the best of both worlds, while Peter Carruthers, Spencer Schoening and Jaycelyn Brown were happy, enthusiastic and rhythmic for their part. Drummer Schoening doubled with a xylophone as well, proving who in the band is the most coordinated.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Said The Whale may have the award for shiniest equipment, charisma and charm, but it felt like the Worcester and Bancroft show. It'd be nice to get to know the others.