My Darkest Days @ NXNE 2006

Background/Composition: Poppy hard rock to cry your eyes out to. Is life really that bad?

Grade: 75

Comment:Lacking in originality musically is the major pitfall of this Ontario band. Yet, they have a strong live performance and are capable of rocking the socks off their 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: E
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: G
Image: N
Appearance: N
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Frontman Matt Walst kept things light with the audience by recounting the reasons he wrote the tracks the band played. "This song was written for any one who has ever cheated on their girlfriend," and, "I wrote this song about a girl that I was crazy about," which is enough to roll your eyes at. But the crowd worshipped My Darkest Days every single second of their 45 minute slot.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Yawn. There should be more to life than a friend with a drug addiction, cheating on someone you love and having your heart broken. But this is all My Darkest Days sing about. The band do play a tight live show and Walst's vocals are pretty powerful, so maybe they should chuck their material and start over.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: If NXNE gave out awards for appearance, then My Darkest Days should be awarded for having the worst hair of the festival. Combovers, fauxhawks and undercuts are out for a good reason, boys. Maybe if they got haircuts, their music would get better. Here's hoping.