The Harkness @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

Background/Composition: Ultra smooth, lush pop with a futuristic spaceman as the messenger.

Grade: 77

Comment:This is sort of like a group presentation where the group doesn't show up on the big day save one keener who is then left to handle the chore alone. The information all gets across, but you know it would've been nice to hear some other voices as well. The Harkness was a prerecorded band being played along to with a bass or guitar by the main man Steve Marrs, who donned a hooded gown and reflective visor to convey his otherwise beautiful music. The music, standing alone, is A+ material.

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: G
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: G
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Frontman Steve Marrs is a talented songwriter who excels at making an audience double take at his extraordinary stage appearance before they give in to the sweet sounds being inextricably produced from the sparse stage.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: E
Organization: G
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: It sounds like Harkness has something really interesting going on, a technological orchestra with intricate instrumentation and Flaming Lips sensibilities make for a wonderfully difficult to classify sound.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: S
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: While it was fun to see Steve Marrs be a slight weirdo on stage, it might be wise to pick up The Harkness' Ciao To The Beauty and hope for a full show sometime soon.