Oliver Black @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Welland, ON

Background/Composition: Lean mean rockin' machine of three dudes and an excitable frontwoman.

Grade: 85

Comment: They may have gone South for a bit, but the Black is definitely back. Don't let America claim these guys!

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: G
Stage Banter: S
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Touring and recording has made Serena Pruyn into the consummate showwoman, perfectly content to hold the audience in the palm of her hand (and possibly stepping on the audience as she strolled across the bar). The rest of the guys sort of stayed in their places, though it was pretty friggin' cool when the guitarist started playing with his teeth.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: S
Organization:E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: S
Composition: G
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Being in Texas has obviously rubbed off — there's a drawl to the vocals that wasn't there before, not to mention a more Southern flavour to the good variety of songs. Their practice touring together is evident by how much tighter they've become as a unit, even if it sounded a bit tired at points. Hey, playing seven gigs in seven days will do that to you.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: G
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: S
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: S
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Each member of this band was a definite individual, almost like cartoon characters of sorts. And the crowd definitely loves these guys, if the air guitar (and the presence of Daniel Lanois, though he was not the purveyor of air guitar) being shredded in the back of the bar is any indication. Oliver Black are shaping up to be as fine an outfit as Serena's kickass military coat.