Iron On @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Brisbane, Australia 

Background/Composition: Two guys and two girls playing upbeat indie pop-rock.

Grade: 70

Comment: Boy/girl vocal harmonies indicated right away that this was going to be a cute show. Simple and innocent, but heartfelt indie poppers who weren't afraid to rock out at times.

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: G
Image: S
Appearance: S
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: A female drummer and male bassist made it a perfectly balanced band that were full of spunk, often dancing and thrashing around the stage. They told the audience about their quirky adventures in Canada thus far and, as usual, complained about the "weatha." However, what this band needed was some sex appeal or any sort of mysterious appeal. A scream, moan or swearing would have given them the edge they needed to stand out during this showcase.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: E
Organization:E
Audience Participation: S
Sound: G
Composition: S
Songs: S
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: A PG-13 Sonic Youth-type ensemble, Iron On kept things tight with their basic instrumentation and choruses. There was some explosive hand clapping, but I couldn't help but feel a little bored. The lead male and female vocalists didn't even glance at each other while singing back and forth on many of the songs, which would have added some intensity. It wasn't all innocent though, the band rocked hard on some songs, blaring all instruments into a loud pop mess. This was refreshing.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: S
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: N
Cool Equipment: N
Level Of Inebriation: N
Actual Ability: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Iron On had a power no other band had at the Australian showcase. When they began to play, people came out from the dark corners and back outskirts of the El Mo to watch the kids rock out. They didn't go wild and dance or anything, but they came into the light and showed their support. Iron On were the bulb and the audience were the moths.