The Blue Van @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Broendersley, Denmark

Background/Composition: A rockin' group of Danish hotties who sound as good as they look.

Grade: 91

Comment: Retro look, retro rock. Retro is freaking awesome whenit sounds like this.

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: S
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: It took them a bit to warm the crowd up, but by the halfway point even the dudes at the back were participating in the prompted handclaps (which are never really a good idea at a place like the Bovine, although it sort of worked here). Banter was a bit dull, but hey, accents!

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization:G
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Now this is a band that know how to keep the audience's attention with wicked tunes. No same-y syndrome with the songs here — it was all pure, jangly power-pop-rock, complete with triple harmonies and a huge awesome keyboardist setup. They also did a Sonics cover. A Sonics cover! Most excellent.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: The Blue Van dressed the part in skinny jeans, vests and hipster scarves, definitely appealing to the audience members with XX chromosomes. Not to mention they've got what has to be the most excitable bassist ever — I think he hollered and screamed as much as the front row did. The sky's the limit for these Danes.