Crystal Antlers @ NXNE 2009

Yonge-Dundas Square

Toronto, ON

on Jun 20 2009

Zack Vitiello (CHARTattack)

06/22/2009 2:59pm

Background/ Composition:
This much-hyped Long Beach, Calif. six-piece refuse classification. They tamper with various elements of punk, psychedelia and prog-rock. The resulting tunes are at once urgent and calamitous, yet expansive and epic.

Grade: 86

Comment:
Even in the middle of a rainy afternoon, Crystal Antlers held nothing back. They put on one of the most energetic performances of the weekend and proved to the sizable crowd they deserve the many kudos they have recently received.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
With five band members present, Crystal Antlers were able to hold down the massive Yonge-Dundas Square stage with ease. Singer/bassist Jonny Bell stumbled from one side to the next as he thudded out massive bass riffs while percussionist Damian Edwards (a.k.a. Sexual Chocolate) tied his shirt up Daisy Dukes style and beat the piss out of his cymbal. One of the show's best moments came when Bell plowed headlong into organ player Victor Rodriguez and nearly knocked him to the ground.

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:
While an outdoor show in the middle of Toronto's version of Times Square is perhaps not the best place to see a lo-fi psychedelic prog-punk band, Crystal Antlers sounded even better live than on record. Bell's yowl was crystal (no pun intended) clear, and the instrumentation was equally precise. At first, I was concerned the often-abrasive nature of the band's music might translate poorly live and scare off passers-by, but songs like "Until The Sun Dies (Part 2)" and "A Thousand Eyes" sounded accessible and catchy and were imbued with an awesome pop sensibility rarely heard on either their debut EP or recent full-length, Tentacles.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Bell was clad in a hideous vintage Larry Bird sweatshirt and swung his sweat-soaked hair while he delivered huge choruses and looked every part the rockstar. Drummer Kevin Stuart opted to play shirtless, while Edwards chose middle ground and wore his shirt half-on, half-off. Although it looked like each member could easily come from disparate bands, their divergent styles work to emphasize the varying genres they tackle in their music.