Republic Of Safety @ NXNE 2007

Background/Composition: Five-piece art-rock upstarts, including a saxophonist!

Grade: 85

Comment: They may have looked pretty mismatched up there, but when the frontwoman's encouraging boozing and dissing the straight-edgers, you know it's all 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: G
Stage Banter: G
Image: G
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Again, it's the curse of 90 per cent of the band members staying in one spot, but at least Republic's super-cute singer made sure to groove on down enough for everybody. As mentioned earlier, they didn't really match up image-wise, but the bassist was rockin' a sweet tartan dress — and seriously, that shit is hard to wear, much less look awesome while jamming on guitar.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: The Reverb mosh pit returned just in time for Republic, and not a moment too soon. With saucy vocals morphing into urgent yelling more often than not, this is music with a tight energy that calls for some obligatory audience-member mauling. And did I mention the saxophonist? Sweet.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: It's a line that's probably been overdone a million times, but like a stretched rubber band, Republic Of Safety are definitely far from safe. And, in a scene that's all too bogged down with boring soundalike acts, this is an incredibly good thing.