Peter Elkas @ CMW 2007

Background/Composition: Peter Elkas strumming out lovelorn, soul-inflected rock, flanked by his backing band, whom he lovingly refers to as The Elkoholics.

Grade: 71

Comment: Elkas may be grooving to a soul-soaked beat these days, but it seems like he's only got that one beat. While he's good at what he does, making people of both sexes swoon, it's all just a little too sacchrine.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: From a distance, Elkas bears a striking resemblance to Sam Roberts, if Sam Roberts ever showered. While Elkas expounded his energy on stage, doing his damndest to get people into it (and boy did they),his band stayed pretty subdued. Affable and gracious, Elkas took time to explain the meaning behind songs, and to dabble in more than a little self-promotion. But isn't that what CMW is for?

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Pulsating basslines and moody drums anchored Elkas' soulful brand of rock. He strummed away and "played it romantic." The whole thing gave off a vaguely sultry swagger. Elkas parlays the same kind of rock sensibility that bands like Maroon 5 and Wide Mouth Mason traffic in. He summed up his own show so aptly when he asked the audience for a laid back "woo hoo."

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: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Elkas' tunes are a little overly sentimental for my tastes. He could benefit from a little subtlety, instead of smashing everyone over the head with that giant, gooey, Damien Rice-y, heart-shaped sledge hammer of his.