The Midway State @ NXNE 2006

Background/Composition: Five eccentric-looking rock stars playing ethereal, spacey art rock.

Grade: 60

Comment: The Midway State are on their way to something, I'm just not sure what. I know the type of spacey, beautiful art rock journey they were trying to take people on, but they continued to come up a little short in bringing us along for the ride.

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: S
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: S
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: The Midway State's lead singer took a page straight out of the Hot Hot Heat handbook, with his huge hair, keyboards and whiney voice. It was kind of strange to see, but it almost worked as he had everyone's attention as he reached for the sky. The only downfall was that it was next to impossible to understand him.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: G
Organization: G
Audience Participation: N
Sound: G
Composition: G
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Most of the time, The Midway State were on the verge of creating a great performance, but didn't want to take that leap. When the guitarists came in on back-up, all empty air space was filled with their music. But that was all they ever did. The front man had so much energy and charisma that it was like the rest of them figured that they didn't have to do anything.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: S
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: S
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: These guys had a very airy sound most of the time. But for the last song, they decided to crank up the amps and let it rip. The sound that came out of them was fantastic, but made the rest of the set seem weak in comparison.