The Black Halos @ CMW 2007

Background/Composition: The Black Halos play old school punk rock with that loose early-'70s glam rock feel.

Grade: 85

Comment: When you look at a real punk rock band, you should know where your personal items are and whether any of that gob flying from the stage is going to hit you. And that's exactly how I felt when I was watching The Black Halos.

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: Lead vocalist Billy Hopeless is a fantastic frontman. He does it right. Between his crotch-grabbing, licking of his own sweaty armpits and almost falling off the bar, he and his bandmates know how to entertain. Kudos to the guitar player for sporting a Wendy O Williams T-Shirt.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: The Black Halos follow CBGBs rule #1: Whether you know two notes or six chords, make a song out of it and make sure that the chorus slaps you right upside the face. Man, my face is sore.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: This is the type of punk rock you're not going to find in the mall record store, which is too bad because these guys rocked out in a drunken fashion but they also had songs with strong choruses. It'll be interesting what the young folks think of their brash in-your-face playing when they open up for Social Distortion on their upcoming tour.