The Ride Theory @ NXNE 2006

Hometown: Hamilton, ON

Background/Composition: Tie and jacket clad four-piece dish out '60s garage-styled bliss.

Grade: 89

Comment: With their mop tops, bubblegummy harmonies and the odd borrowed bit of body language, watching this band was like a game of Name That Influence.

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: S
Pronounciation: G
Stage Presence: S
Stage Banter: S
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Despite some feeble attempts at swagger, the group seemed a little uncomfortable showing too much attitude, preferring to hide behind their hair or stare blankly at each other. The lesson: being a bit of a cocky asshole never hurt anyone in rock 'n' roll.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: G
Composition: G
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:  For the second half of their set, the lads seemed to loosen up considerably, just in time for a "Wipeout"-esque instrumental surf rock throwdown.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: When they paused so the singer could switch guitars, there was that panicked feeling of, "Oh no, their set's over?" (A very good sign.) Fortunately, they weren't done, as they launched into a maracas-backed ballad that could sit comfortably next to anything from the Zombies' catalogue. They finished in a sweaty, blurry explosion of ecstatic yelps. Once Ride Theory learn to play like they're in a club and not their someone's basement, they could be damn near perfect.