Little Girls @ NXNE 2009

Sneaky Dee's

Toronto, ON

on Jun 20 2009

Zack Vitiello (CHARTattack)

06/22/2009 2:46pm

Background/ Composition:
This Toronto quartet take their cues from early '90s post-punk and shoegaze and make noise-pop devoid of any intelligible hooks or substance.

Grade: 59

Comment:
Frontman Josh McIntyre plays in several bands — including Pirate/Rock — and Little Girls are currently receiving the brunt of the local buzz. But after watching this set of amateur-sounding songs and lazy showmanship, I'm left confused about all the hype.

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: S
Pronunciation: N
Stage Presence: S
Stage Banter: N
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The set found the band members hidden behind their instruments with disinterested looks on their faces and they gently swayed as if a cool breeze was blowing past them. Indeed, it would have been far more enjoyable to see them perform as if loud, bass-heavy fuzz was blowing past them, which, interestingly, it was. In McIntyre's defense, when he put down his guitar and began to actually perform, he exhibited some interesting and maybe even endearing quirks, most of which revolved around rubbing his face and, yes, gently swaying.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
McIntyre has a thing for repeating the same line over and over, and while that's not a problem in and of itself, repeating lyrics is meaningless if the lyrics themselves are garbage. "I'm an ordinary boy," he mumbled for the entire duration of one track. The constant repetition made the set almost stressful, and the fuzzy, reverb-heavy atmospherics left me on the verge of insanity. Cleaning up their muddy sound and writing songs with more than one line should be first-and-foremost on Little Girls' to-do list.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
When your only banter all night is to mention that you have CDs for sale at the back ("And a 12-inch!") you can be sure not many people will feel particularly inclined to purchase your goods. If stage presence isn't their thing, so be it, but Little Girls need to learn how to interact with an audience and make concert-goers feel welcome in their presence.