Entire Cities @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
Entire Cities is an appropriate name for this sprawling group of locals. They really filled the modest Mitzi's stage with two guitars, banjo, drums, bass and flute.

Grade: 90

Comment:
Entire Cities finally woke up the sleepy table-bound audience at Mitzi's Sister. They have to be the loudest folk band in the city. (The Schomberg Fair don't count — they're more gospel lately.) Hell, they not only woke us up, they brewed coffee, scrambled some eggs, gave us a peck on the cheek and said, "Go get 'em tiger!"

They did all that stuff metaphorically, of course, with their fantastic music.

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:
Frontman Simon Borer has an easy, excited charisma that can't be faked. As a vocalist, he has to take second place next to Tamara Lindeman. Her singing voice can range from soft elegance to dirty twang as needed. She brings out a hidden sensitivity in even the rougher songs.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Entire Cities' uplifting folk gets its oomph from Andrew Haust's bombastic rock-inspired drum style. He has a lot to do with taking this band from the community garden to the black walled rock club. Conceptually speaking, that is.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
I've noticed a rash of what I call "enthusigasm" bands in Toronto lately. These are groups who rush to induce sweaty, ecstasy reactions with their incessant swaying choruses and hyper attitudes. Most of them don't know how to build a real emotional connection like Entire Cities do. Entire Cities understand the climax is only as good as the foreplay.