The Besnard Lakes @ CMW 2010

Background/Composition:
These Montreal-based shoegazers are riding high on the release of their latest full-length, The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night. Their songs are about spies and they tend to put creepy images — like flaming horses — on their merchandise. Can their live show possibly live up to the eerie persona they've cultivated?

Grade: 88

Comment:
The Besnard Lakes' set was of a very different sort than any other that occurred throughout the night. Watching them was like being temporarily transported out of the moment. They really need a fog machine to complete this effect.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Singer/guitarist Jace Lasek belongs in another era. His appearance and sensibilities are straight out of the ’60s and ’70s. Communication from the stage was minimal, but The Besnard Lakes' set was powerful enough that their music did the talking for them.

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:
It's astounding the lengths to which Lasek can stretch his voice. With eyes closed, a listener might have thought there were five different people singing. Their set was short, and ended without fanfare, but they hit several of their best tracks. "Devastation" was the highlight. The crowd was smothered by a hazy, fuzzy rock blanket.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Alcohol consumption was at an all-night low for this set. At the start, Lasek brought out a pitcher of water and doled it out to his bandmates. He did at least appear to be drinking something resembling a gin and tonic as well.

Lasek wins the prize for coolest equipment of the night, though. He had a rhombus-shaped 12-string guitar that must have been from the future.