Low Level Flight @ CMW 2010

Background/Composition:
Toronto-based indie rockers Low Level Flight aren't exactly who I was expecting to see play at The Drake Underground last night, especially considering who else was on the evening's list.

Don't get me wrong, they have a lot of potential as a band — they just have a place that didn't necessarily jive with the other niche bands playing last night's showcase.

Grade: 60

Comment:
Low Level Flight are your run-of-the-mill indie rock band. With influences like Bloc Party and Wintersleep very evident, seeing them live doesn't leave you with an overly memorable experience, though it's impossible to deny they're good at what they do.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
With a handful of new songs to play, Low Level Flight were certainly ready to rock last night at the Drake. They were certainly more lively than some of the other acts who followed — though when you're opening for Forest City Lovers, it's not difficult to come across as an energetic rock group. No offence, FCL; you know I love you.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Low Level Flight have a really distinctly Canadian, distinctly Toronto indie rock sound to them, and it works. If you're looking for a band to see during a showcase, they're definitely worthy, but I don't know that I can foresee them taking the next step into indie rock greatness.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
This was the exact kind of band you can hope will be your first show in CMW — nothing too strenuous nor terrible, and it certainly didn't leave anything to be desired. They played hard and they played well, but it certainly wasn't anything to write home about in terms of presence or rockability.