Bleeker Ridge @ CMW 2006

Hometown:  Toronto, ON

Background/Composition: Scorching metal-rock from a group of ridiculously talented teenagers.

Grade: 88

Comment: They're not even old enough to drive and they can already play better than most rockers twice their age. It's depressing, disturbing... and really fucking impressive. Previous to seeing them play, I referred to them as "Metal Hanson," but I take it back now, because these guys are cool.

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: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Bleeker Ridge showed no mercy on stage, starting off strong and loud and keeping up the momentum until late in the set, when they moved into power ballad territory. The lead singer doesn't look a day over 16, but already has an incredibly commanding stage presence and a handle on rock banter. The other band members are even younger, but moved around the stage comfortably, headbanging and climbing up on the amps and speakers. Already sporting dreadlocks, wrist gauntlets and nipple rings, just wait until they're legal to get tattoos.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E 
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: G
Songs: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Seriously, it's mind-boggling how good these kids can play at such a young age. Did they first pick up guitars in pre-school? The drummer was amazing to watch with his flailing full-body playing style. The songs were solid and the lead singer can really belt it out. The guitar solos were crazy and the whole room was rocking to its foundations as all us "old" geezers had our minds systematically blown.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: S
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: N
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Bleeker Ridge are really good, and they're only going to get better. Might be tough to market, being too hardcore for the tween set and too wet behind the ears for the adult crowd, but the band will find their niche, and if they haven't been signed already, it's in the cards.