Sweet Thing @ CMW 2010

Background/Composition:
These five Torontonians blast crowds with shiny, happy pop, but have no qualms about working the word "motherfucker" into a chorus. They have one EP under their belts and a full-length on the way.

Grade: 95

Comment:
I'm far from knowing everything there is to know about Toronto music, but how is it I've never heard of these lads? By leaps and bounds, Sweet Thing's set was the best thing I saw in four nights of CMW festivities. They can/should/will be huge, very soon. There were people lining up to buy merch when they finished.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Singer Owen Carrier's histrionics neared Torquil Campbell levels, but it perfectly suited their aesthetic. He has definitely been practicing in front of the mirror. While cavorting near the end of the set, he sent his mic and stand flying towards the head of oblivious bassist Morgan Waters, but dove and caught it when it was a centimetre away from his skull. Were there a score for reflexes, Carrier would get perfect marks.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Sweet Thing are as gooey and stadium-huge as The Thermals and Spirits. On the surface, they come across as the epitome of power pop, but the boisterousness is definitely covering up some glam leanings. They'd do well on a bill with Of Montreal. Carrier can definitely sing. He even screams in tune.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Sweet Thing's onstage personality clashes are a laugh riot. Stoic, bearded guitarist Alex Winter is as serious a character as Built To Spill's Doug Martsch, making for an absolutely precious scene when Carrier snuck up behind him and started fondling his scalp.