Fairfield @ NXNE 2006

Background/Composition: This band play heart breaking rock ballads, but underneath are hints of blues and country.

Grade: 80

Comment: Toronto rockers Fairfield put on an impressive performance. Lead singer, Casey Marshall's shrill vocals rang through The Rivoli, capturing the attention of the packed audience.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Except for the typical onstage banter ("It's so good to be at NXNE"), Casey Marshall, or any other band member for that matter, said very little to the crowd. A little more interaction would have done this band some good, but the audience was into the music in a big way, so it didn't matter that much.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Opening their set with a twangy country and blues tune was fantastic. The band had a nice momentum going and Marshall's vocals were warming. However, as the faster paced songs left the set list, only ballads remained. Unfortunately, the slower songs ended up dominating the set.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: With a quick glance in the direction of basist Nick Zarnogirski, it struck me that he might actually love playing music as he had a massive smile on his face for the entire set. Fairfield didn't seem concerned with sporting any kind of image, and, in turn, stayed true to the music.