Pride Tiger @ NXNE 2007

Background/Composition: They're a quartet of boogie-rock dudes bringing back the singing drummer... but in a good way.

Grade: 91

Comment: Pride Tiger exist because Canada didn't know it needed its own Wolfmother until now.

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: G
Pronounciation: G
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: G
Image: E
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: The drums took centre stage, obviously, which pretty much put all the other band members in unmoving positions. Still, this didn't hinder the numerous guitar (and drum) faces, nor did it hinder the utter rock annihilation that boomed forth from the stage. This is music made for stadiums, and also for vinyl that you spin while getting really stoned.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Pride Tiger had only one technical stumble when there were guitar problems near the beginning of their set, but they recovered admirably and soldiered on through walls of mass riffage. Even the major label suits (in their casual clothes, of course, trying to blend in with the general population) were digging on it, which was a given since Pride Tiger album's due out soon on EMI. Well-deserved.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: The singer/drummer was one of the cheeriest dudes I've ever seen, performing as much grinning and mugging for the cameras as he was skillfully banging the skins. This infectious energy kind of sums up the music of Pride Tiger: Heavy yet lighthearted. So long as retro-rock is in style - and isn't it always? - these guys will be going places.