The Ride Theory @ CMW 2006

Background/Composition:
A fine young four piece from the Hammer who crank out mod, surf guitars and good old rock 'n' roll.

Grade: 83

Comment:
Thursday at 1 a.m. is, perhaps, the least forgiving slot of the entire CMW festival. People are tired and anticipating the two full days of music ahead of them and they just don't have the energy to invest themselves in another set. The fact that The Ride Theory not only managed to convince people to stick around and actually got a number of them to genuinely boogie is a real testament to just how good they are.

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
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: S
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
While their excitable stage banter and shout outs to fellow musicians belied the fact that they were just a group of youngsters only starting their careers, the rest of the package made them seem like veterans of the game. The Ride Theory have the look, the sound and the charisma of genuine rock 'n' roll stars.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Mods trapped in the bodies of rockers, The Ride Theory are like the cultural clash of Quadrophenia turned into sweet, sweet music. They have the soul of bands The Kinks and The Zombies and the energy of acts like Danko Jones and The Vertical Struts. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
 With dapper suits and ties, mop top hair and a general British Invasion aura, the nice young men of The Ride Theory appeared as if they were getting ready to perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. It's a look that few musicians could pull off in this day and age. Given their sound, though, it works perfectly.