The Gorgeous @ CMW 2007

Background/Composition: This was a farewell show of sorts, as the five-piece hardcore outfit are calling it a day. It was evident that the band knew they had to go out with a bang and put on a deafening display of metal.

Grade: 85

Comment: It was clear that The Gorgeous didn't take themselves too seriously, which is refreshing in a genre that usually finds bands waving their pretentious flags high and proud. This, by no means, took away from their set. It was a blistering demonstration of talent and charisma, both of which helped fill a packed Reverb eager to catch one last show.

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: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: The singer was right in the thick of the sea of kids at the front of the stage, leaning into the crowd and spraying water on everyone. There was lots of banter about the "good old days," which cast a nostalgic cloud over the die-hards. Kudos to the one guitar player for dropping his guitar and stage-diving into the crowd.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: The two guitar players made their jobs look effortless. They were by far the strongest part of The Gorgeous' show, blending technical lead bits and low-end shards of metal into a breakdown-infused set. The bass player sat down for the duration of the show, but his lazy stage demeanor wasn't reflective of his playing. The drummer, on the other hand, looked and sounded like he wanted to be anywhere but behind the kit, and could have played with a little more enthusiasm.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: It was clear that the kids were at the Reverb to see this band tear it up for one of their final shows, and they didn't disappoint. They gave it their all, right down to the singer's T-shirt, which was ripped clean off his back.