Cancer Bats @ CMW 2007

Background/Composition: Cancer Bats are an intense, brash and talented hardcore/rock band led by a whip-lashing, razor-tongued frontman and a guitar player who sounds like a reincarnation of Dimebag Darrell Abbott.

Grade: 97

Comment: Hey kids, you wanna know how to be in a rock band? Check out Cancer Bats the next time they come around. They gave their blood, sweat and saliva to the crowd at the Reverb in the form of no-nonsense, aurally-assaulting rock 'n' roll. Vocalist Liam Cormier's snarly wail cut like a knife through the harmonic-and-power-chord cocktail served straight up by guitarist Scott Middleton. These guys are fierce.

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: I'd be hard pressed to list a better frontman than Cormier. The dude worked his tail off, covering every inch of the stage and whipping his overgrown hawk into the faces of those in the crowd that would let him. His between-song banter bordered on inspirational, piping up about keeping the pit safe and fight-free and genuinely wanting everyone to have a good time. After the set was done, he went straight from the stage to the merch table to mingle with the fans. This guy is the real deal. With Cormier leading the way, the rest of the band focused on simply destroying our eardrums.

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: What makes Cancer Bats unique is their fusion of metal, punk and hardcore with a groove-ridden, southern-rock feel. The mix was perfect, with the drums, bass and guitar piercing through the sound system. On top of that, everyone in the band can play the shit out of their instruments. There were a couple times during their set where they lost each other, but got right back into it immediately. No problem though, these guys are pros.

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: This band are definitely not to be missed the next time they roll through your town. Regardless of whether you're into their style of music or not, their live show is enough to convert anyone into becoming a Cancer Bats fan. They were definitely one of the better bands performing at this year's CMW festival — if not the best.