Russian Artist Factory @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Calgary, Alberta

Background/Composition: We won't compare them to Billy Joel, because that would be too simple, but you do get a feeling of fun, Huey Lewis And The News style pop that most people might raise their eyes from shuffling shoes to take in.

Grade: 80

Comment:The Russian Artist Factory seemed to strip away any sense of ego on stage, doing away with pretension and allowing us and them to give in to a mutually accessible good time. It wasn't cool, but who cares.

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: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: The connection the Factory made with the audience was a very real one that seemed to strip away the separation from stage and floor. The music was allowed to speak for itself while the musicians happily allowed it to come through them for our enjoyment.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Key-driven music, honest story lyrics and the best -- and most appropriate -- guitar solos of the night made The Russian Artist Factory a treat on a night when most bands seemed a bit too wrapped up in themselves. The Factory's music was for us, they gave it as a present and ensured we would take it and enjoy. And, in case we didn't, they had a good time trying. That goes a long way.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: S
Haircut: S
Indie Rock Footwear: S
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: The Russian Artist Factory may find it a bit difficult to secure an audience on a grand scale because of their pretension rejection and straightforward pop rock concoctions, but a solid single may be in their futures before they stumble into Hootie territory of yuppiedom.