Adam Franklin @ NXNE 2007

Background/Composition: Relocated from London, U.K. to New York City, former Swervedriver frontman, Adam Franklin, and his new four-piece backing band Bolts Of Melody play a melodic brand of modern alternative rock with hints of psychedelia and boatloads of guitar pedal-hopping.

Grade: 68

Comment: Quite simply, it was frontman Franklin's wildly adventurous guitar playing that kept people around for this set. In fact, it almost seemed as if the band were just there to provide a canvas for Franklin to paint on. Though they offered up some sophisticated rock tunes, complete with complex time signatures and memorable melodies, there were times when the band's performance was noticeably unfocused and uninspired.

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: S
Pronounciation: G
Stage Presence: N
Stage Banter: N
Image: S
Appearance: S
Use Of Stage: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Sure, there's no way anyone would consider Franklin's music to be good party fodder, but it was surprising to see a veteran musician with such an aloof stage manner. Maybe it was the dwindling crowd or the fact that it was getting late, but the band made next to no effort to try and keep people around. Although a group of long-time fans hooted and clapped near the stage, Franklin and Co. likely didn't gain any new fans with this performance.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Fans who came out on the off-chance that Franklin might perform an old Swervedriver tune or two were likely a bit disappointed when their dream didn't materialize. But what they did get was an awesome performance from Franklin. While his new tunes tend to lack the cohesiveness of his former band's output, he clearly demonstrated to the crowd that he still knows his way around a stack of effects pedals. The difference now is that he has a more refined and subtle approach to experimenting, always stopping short of excessive noise. However, it was obvious that Franklin and his band didn't study hard enough for the show. A few bars into their opening tune, he motioned to his band to stop playing. He confessed to the crowd that he confused it with one of his older tunes. Hardly a promising start to a set. Franklin even openly instructed his drummer in front of the entire crowd twice, much to the drummer's dismay.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Easily the night's oldest band in terms of the members' actual age, Franklin and Co. seemed content to go it casual. Only Franklin was mildly dressed-up in a dark shirt and blazer, which he quickly took off at the start of the show. While it was easy to appreciate Franklin and his band's musical acumen and accomplished playing, it was hard not to think that they could have tried a bit harder to impress.