The First Time @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Scarborough, ON

Background/Composition: Pop punk featuring a vocalist that sounds like a mix of Raine Maida and Deryck Whibley, a guitarist with one too many guitar solos and a bassist who leered at us like a drunk uncle. The drummer was pretty cool though.

Grade: 72

Comment:This was what it was, nothing groundbreaking within an already broken genre and far too much preening and posturing to retain any sort of street cred.

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: G
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Technically they did it all right. They connected with the crowd, gave them what they wanted and did so with gusto. It's just a tired act, you can only turn away from the audience and back again with your best "sex eyes" so many times. And, a note to the bassist: please stop thrusting your man-sized bass out at us, we feel uncomfortable with it. So not hot. The First Time wanted to put on a "rock show" but it seems like they got all their best ideas from '80s hair rock music videos. To their credit, those that like 'em, like 'em.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E 
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: G
Composition: G
Songs: S
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: We've simply heard this all before, and in most cases, done much better. A lead singer who doesn't so much sing as he does emit sounds from his voice, aggressive basslines, wailing solos and an attempt to be "dangerous" (torn sleeves, a neck tie and a baby mohawk?) just serve to make The First Time feel like every other time. Oh, and that Prince cover was totally ill advised.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: The First Time need to take a moment and reevaluate things. The path that they're on isn't necessary, the songs can be made more diverse, the arrangements more dynamic, but you get the feeling that would somehow take away from the cowboy hat and sunglasses and "we're ROCKING" faces.