Songs From A Room @ CMW 2010

Background/Composition
Songs From A Room are a five-piece band from Toronto. They mix '70s rock with hints of punk.

Grade: 75

Comment:
They did an admirable job. Songs From A Room had to fight with a crowd idly waiting for The Meligrove Band and Moneen. But they did it with grace and humour. Instead of begging people to come forward, they invited the audience up and some people actually listened. Those at the front bantered with lead singer Brayden Jones and bassist Nicholas Bechard. The band had a good time and those who paid attention did as well.

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: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Steps
The trio of Brayden, Bechard and guitarist Tim Kiskunas are a formidable sight. All three towered over the audience and demanded your attention. Brayden kept chatting with the crowd, even if the only ones responding were the handful up front. In a smaller room, or in one with less anticipation for the headliners, they would have had more people interested.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step
They looked like a bar band, and at times sounded like one, but they didn’t have that film of cheese associated with many bar bands. They incorporate organ with a classic rock style that infuses drummer Dustin Jone’s sweet melodious voice with Brayden’s gruff tones. The sound in the venue was so-so, making it difficult to pick up the organ at times, though.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
They do what they do well, there’s no denying that. But there seems to be something missing from taking them over the top. Their sound did meld together at times, making it difficult to discern if they were playing something new or just elongating the previous song. Pronouncing the organ and Jone’s voice to compliment Brayden could be the key.