Mikoto @ CMW 2006

Hometown:  Orange County, California

Background/Composition: Five SoCal guys doing aggressive metal with screaming/singing dynamic.

Grade: 77

Comment: Mikoto got the night started at Kathedral with heavy tunes and a blue-collar work ethic, charging through a 20-minute set filled with guttural screaming and crunching riffs. But whether it was a lack of material or a scheduling issue, one got the feeling that it was over just as they were really getting warmed up.

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 
Pronounciation: N
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: G
Image: S
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Three of Mikoto's members had the hard rock look down, while lead singer Ray Harkins and guitarist Matt Moody had more of an average-joe appearance. Harkins was a capable emcee, though — a screaming, jumping, spitting dervish for most of the show.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: E
Organization:G
Audience Participation: S
Sound: G
Composition: G
Songs: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Mikoto responded to some tech problems in the best possible way: by rocking right through them. Meanwhile, the formulaic vocal interplay between Harkins and Moody was mitigated by frequent tempo changes that added some unpredictability to the songs.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: S
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: S
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Harkins had an amusing way of bossing his band around, which helped the likeability rating of his band. He was pouring sweat by the halfway point of the first song, but somehow his energy didn't catch on with the audience, except for one dude who was doing what looked to be a kickboxing routine.