Spiral Beach @ NXNE 2007

Background/Composition: Crowd-pleasing quartet making a game out of rock 'n' roll.

Grade: 89

Comment: It must be utterly fucking humbling for bands twice Spiral Beach's age to see a bunch of kids this good.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Spiral Beach's set kind of resembled a high school musical at times, what with the nifty stage decor (pylons, lights and signs) complete with fog machine. Also, the phrase "youthful exuberance" may be slightly cliche, but was completely true here. They sheepishly admitted towards the end of their set that things were "falling apart up here," but that seems to be how they work best — right on the edge and coming apart at the seams.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Spiral Beach brought their own mini-mosh pit! Actually, it seemed unlikely they had anything to do with it, if their own laughter at the crowd's enthusiasm was any indication. Hey, when the power-pop is this swingy and infectious, why not dance? SB are like the cuter, more joyful cousin of Be Your Own Pet, with added Hammond organ goodness.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: It feels a little creepy to call Spiral Beach sexy when none of them are probably legal to drink yet, but they are an adorable bunch, and their playful antics won over the entire packed room, which included approximately 10 per cent more proud rockstar moms. Definitely a triumph for a band who deserve big things.