Old World Vulture @ CMW 2010

Background/Composition:

Toronto and St. Catharines, Ont.'s Old World Vulture infuse heavy Mogwai influences into their instrumental soundtrack.

Grade: 81

Comment:
Old World Vulture had the tough assignment of playing a later timeslot (11 p.m.) while higher profile acts (The Acorn, Silver Starling, Dan Mangan) were setting up in other venues.

Unfortunately for them, a lot of people had left by the time they started, but the people who stayed were introduced to a band that will likely make a strong name for themselves across the city very soon.

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: S
Image: G?
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Steps:
It's tough to mark an instrumental band for their communication. They don't sing, rarely need to speak to the audience and the intensity of the music often leaves them focusing on what they're playing, rather than who they're playing to. And that's fine, because when the music justifies that (i.e. When it's good — and they were) then that's the best way to enjoy it live.

When guitarist Mike Costanzo did speak, thanking those who stuck around, he confused the night for being Wednesday and then apologized, saying they've been playing a lot of shows lately. Good for the band, apparently bad for Costanzo's memory.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Steps:
Dense drones, uplifting synth melodies, booming bass runs, overwhelming beats and contemplative guitar lines all mixed with increasing veracity as Old World Vulture's set progressed. They're able to take what bands such as Mogwai and Do Make Say Think do and add layers of their own creativity to it — and it translates powerfully live.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Steps:
If the band members themselves weren't enough to captivate your attention, then they had a video playing behind them throughout their show that could provide added entertainment — or questions. I didn't take spend too much time looking at it, as I was too immersed in the music, but images of planes and pilots popped up the few times I focused on it.

The quality of Old World Vulture's music and solid live set gives them an opportunity to reinvigorate the Canadian music scene with their instrumental fervour, much like Godspeed You! Black Emperor.