Indian Handcrafts

CHARTAttack Report Card - NXNE
....
DATE: June 17, 2011
CITY: Toronto, ON
VENUE: El Mocambo
RATING: 4.5 / 5
Hometown: South Simcoe, ON

Background/Composition:
Indian Handcrafts are a hard rock/garage duo who have perfected a guitar sound and said "fuck it" to half the drum kit. Ever wonder what would happen if Josh Homme paired up with Sebastien Grainger?

Grade: 93

Comment:
They hit hard, they play fast, and they don't stop. Daniel Brandon Allen's guitar was full and gritty, while drummer Brandyn James Aikins has nixed rack toms and uses a floor tom in their place, ensuring every pounding fill had depth to it.

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: S
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The band admitted they were "bad at banter," although Aikins' quip about using a battle-axe as stage decor was something.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Indian Handcrafts are into changing the pace of songs midway. Paired with the alternating vocals (or at times, harmonizing), this enabled them a good amount of variety given the consistent guitar sound and lack of things to hit throughout the set.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Indian Handcrafts are a powerful pair who have both the sound and composition skills to make it work. I have a feeling you'll be hearing their name again soon. - Chartattack

Exclaim review - NXNE
..
By Ian Gormely
Made up of one-half of Fox Jaws, Toronto duo Indian Handcrafts laid down some serious riffage at the El Mo, converting the packed bar into fans. Dan Allen obviously listened to a lot of Rage Against the Machine growing up, as his repetitive licks, which were run through a battery of effects pedals and massive amps, bore a fair bit of resemblance to Tom Morello's, albeit filtered through Melvins and Kyuss. Not to be outdone, drummer Brandyn Aikins pounded along while the pair split vocal duties. Their no-bullshit approach seemed best exemplified by the cover of AC/DC's "Let There Be Rock." Lacking the posturing and preening of hipper indie groups, Indian Handcrafts feel poised to make a crossover to rock radio and bigger venues if they wanted to.

Exclaim.ca - Exclaim Magazine Canada