South Oval @ CMW 2006

Hometown:  Hamilton, ON

Background/Composition: Four guys (avec two guitars) from the Hammer playing a pile of basement-style rock suitable for campus pubs.

Grade: 65

Comment: While reasonably talented, South Oval have a penchant for writing utterly forgettable tunes that left an all-ages audience suitable unimpressed save for the small cluster of friends and fans. And even they looked bored.

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: S
Stage Banter: E
Image: S
Appearance: S
Use Of Stage: S
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: This is not a band going for appearance — although I did kinda dig the fuzzy leopard-skin print on the frontman's guitar strap. While they seem to be somewhat enthusiastic and into their music (along with chattering to the audience), South Oval also appear somewhat ill at ease during the actual performing.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E 
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: S
Organization:S
Audience Participation: N
Sound: N
Composition: S
Songs: S
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: I won't lie. The band went on more than half an hour late and the sound mix was awful. The bass overpowered just about everything, one (or possibly both) guitars were slightly out of tune, the drum tempo would speed up unexpectedly and even the vocal harmonies — while sung by capable singers — just seemed off. I'm still trying to figure out why the one fellow, who sings in a lower key, hasn't completely taken over vocal duties as his voice is far better. On top of that, the songs were kinda, well, uninteresting. All of this resulted in a pretty apathetic audience. Ironically, South Oval had camcorders out to tape out the performance for an upcoming video.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: S
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: S
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: S
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  Imagine your friend's band back in high school: you liked them because you didn't know any better. Imagine they took it through university, started to improve... then dropped it. Fast forward a couple of years and watch them get back together. This would be the result. Still pretty choppy performance-wise, but you can only hope it was all due to nerves. They could use some help in the sexiness department, too.