Soma @ CMW 2007

Background/Composition: Three-piece hard rock combo who think it's still 1999.

Grade: 65

Comment: Bringin' back the guitar solo. Wanktastic!

Achievement of Rock 'n' RollExpectations
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: S
Stage Banter: G
Image: S
Appearance: S
Use Of Stage: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Talking to the audience in between songs is good. Offering them free CDs is good. Saying, "The CD is really good, not like this stage shit!" is VERY BAD. I'm not certain if they were referring to the technical difficulties they had at the beginning of the set, but it sure sounded like they were admitting that their live show sucks.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: There was nothing here that hasn't been done before. Especially the lead singer's motto of WWSD (What Would Slash Do?) Solo, of course! Lots and lots of wanky solos. A couple of the tunes actually had a good melody and a catchy hook -- good radio fare. And then there would be another self-indulgent solo and the moment would be lost.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: They're still very amateur. The songs need to develop and the band need to work on their look, because right now it's just completely nondescript. I'm not saying eyeliner and capes, but you know what I mean. They need to put an original stamp on a tired old sound, and excessive soloing is not the way to do it.