Billy Talent @ NXNE 2001

Background/Composition: Billy Talent are a stripped down, four-piece, guitar-based, alt-rock band that feature a vocalist that resembles a tiny Raine Maida. Good tunes and super chops!

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Band exceeds skill and knowledge expectations. Rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Band achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Band demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
Below 50: Band has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Grade: 90

Comment:
Billy Talent put on one helluva energetic show and the crazy part of it is they had the man only known as "Chuck" from the local band, The Salads, filling in on bass. The band layed it down like carpet and peeled out time signatures that would stump a math wiz.

Learning Skills:
E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: G
Image: S
Appearance: S
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Billy Talent's vocalist is very frantic on stage — like a kid in need of Ritalin. He had a certain charm that, when coupled with the band's tremendous songs and bludgeoning rhythm section, had the audience moving closer and closer. It was the energy of Rage Against The Machine with a whole lot more melody.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The songs were so complicated that it was so hard to believe that someone was subbing in for a member. Tight, cool songs that moved forward and never stagnated. Billy Talent were full on, and they had enough spark to keep the audience in the venue 'til the bar closed down. Let's just say there were lots of hoots and hollers.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Billy Talent kicked it out and even though their clothes weren't much, they made up for it in in a huge way with their smokin' set. The addition of "Chuck's" five-string, low B picking on some tunes was earth-shaking. Billy Talent have got a load of talent and should turn on a lot of people in the next little while.