Magneta Lane @ CMW 2010

Background/Composition:
These Toronto natives have three albums and a solid fan base behind them. They specialize in an amalgamation of aggressive rock and melodic pop. Over the last few years, they've developed an oddball relationship with American tech giant, Microsoft, performing for internal company commercials and playing the corporate Christmas party.

Grade: 74

Comment:
These three ladies were definitely tighter than they were the last time I saw them perform — they're really hitting their stride as a live act. The Horseshoe was reasonably full for their 8:30 slot.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Although there wasn't a lot of chatter coming from the stage, guitarist Lexi Valentine did get the crowd engaged in some clapping for one tune. Bassist French and drummer Nadia King were distant and standoffish, but it seemed a necessary facet of their tough-girl image.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Set lengths no doubt get abbreviated when this many bands are playing, but this seemed like an incredibly short set. They must have only played about six songs. Still, Magneta Lane got the crowd as pumped as you'd want any opening band to. They're the closest thing Canada has to Sleater-Kinney.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Valentine and French started the show with costume masks strapped to the tops of their heads. Not that they had need to cover up, but it would have been fun if they'd actually worn the masks on their faces, instead of using them as an accessory. Fishnet stockings: always a good choice.