Ghostlight @ CMW 2007

Background/Composition: Experimental noise-rock combo with a little too much saxophone.

Grade: 75

Comment: Quirky, chaotic, and deeply weird.

Achievement of Rock 'n' RollExpectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us sohard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' rollstandard.
60-69:Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' rollstandard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limitedway.
00-50: Hasnot demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: N
Pronounciation: N
Stage Presence: S
Stage Banter: N
Image: N
Appearance: S
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: This seems like the kind of band that have a revolving-door member policy, but tonight there were seven people on stage. The whole set was a continual noise experiment from beginning to end.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: The two saving graces are the bass player and the drummer, who provide a rock-solid foundation that allows the others to noodle and squeak to their hearts content. This steady primal heartbeat is what keeps the whole thing from spinning out of control. The saxophone was too much at times. Ixnay on the high-pitched squealing, it hurts and we don't like it. And then there were the occasional vocals, which were basically unintelligible snarling combined with facial contortions on the part of the violin/flute/saxophone player. This ain't Rammstein, buddy. Despite this, there was a lot of interesting stuff happening on stage and watching it unfold was cool.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Not recommended for people who like their music to "make sense," but experimental rock junkies will probably dig it. There were some moments when the guitars were just right and it seemed like we were headed for a transcendent moment. It never quite got there.