Saint Alvia @ CMW 2010

Background/Composition:
This sextet formed in Burlington, Ont. and have released two very good albums. Saint Alvia include former members of Jersey and Boys Night Out.

Grade: 90

Comment:
If you like The Clash, Rancid and Big Audio Dynamite, there's no reason why you shouldn't dig Saint Alvia. The band mixes in elements of reggae, soul and roots music into its melodic punk rock and makes good use of all three of its  singers.

To quote Maygen Kardash (formerly of The Blood Lines) of Violent Kin, who borrowed my notebook: "Man with hat... many other men on stage."

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The burly Ben Rispin is the only group member who doesn't play an instrument, so he largely acts as the frontman and does it well. But everyone gets into the act and delivers strong and energetic performances and makes the audience feel like it's part of the show.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Despite the aforementioned positive traits, it's Saint Alvia's songs that really set them apart and make them one of Canada's best, and possibly one of the most under-recognized, bands. They have the musical chops to bring the goods from the studio to the stage. Vocalists sometimes change mid-song, and there are  enough variances between their tunes to keep folks interested.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Saint Alvia don't give obvious nods to fashion, but they're not slobs either. Their look simply fits their sound.

The group hadn't played Toronto since the fall and I thought the relatively small Rivoli would be packed. It wasn't, but it should have been. The people who were there, however, were enthusiastic in their responses and the band played hard to make sure they earned them.

You have another chance to see Saint Alvia when they play the Bovine Sex Club at 2 a.m. on Saturday night (which is technically Sunday morning, but you know what I mean).