Ultimate Power Duo @ CMW 2006

Hometown:  Saskatoon, SK

Background/Composition: Danko Jones meets The Ramones in one of the most self-congratulatory acts on stage today. You can't say they don't deserve it though.

Grade: 87

Comment:The highest mark given by this reviewer, The Ultimate Power Duo are just that, ultimate, with the exception of the fact they're a trio. Sweaty rock with a ton of attitude and intense tongue-in-cheek humour that is so engrained in the power duo themselves that their act is like no other around. They stand so often with fist in air that by the end you're saluting back accordingly. Besides, after a song titled "Buddy Holly Is The Fifth Ramone," what else can you do?

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: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Wow. There wasn't so much stage banter as there was a fully scripted show placed before us as frontman ScottRP barked at us like a carnie rounding up some rubes to explain rock 'n' roll to them. First there was Buddy Holly, then there were The Ramones and that's all you need to know!

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Hard, aggressive rock sharing something with the authentic, original punk of the British pioneers, The Ultimate Power Duo really take no prisoners in their hard-hitting approach which makes the most of power chords and creating a slightly surreal atmosphere. This is no normal rock show, these guys are something special.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Though some will invariably criticize them as a novelty act, The Ultimate Power Duo are far from that. The novelty is that their entire act is thoroughly entertaining, solid songwriting, outstanding personalities and the first time I've ever seen a band pretend to play their instruments that aggressively in the epic "Cone Of Silence." You have to see it to understand it. Plus, not to be sexist, but female drummers that can bash a kit that intensely make me happy.