Young Rival @ NXNE 2007

Background/Composition: Young Rival might not be a recognizable name to most, but you've most likely heard of their previous incarnation The Ride Theory. There was no monumental rock 'n' roll breakup, cease and desist orders or label pressures. After more than five years and two albums, the band just felt it was time for a change. This being their second show as Young Rival (the first was last night in Guelph) it was in a sense a coming out party. Though I'm sure fans would be quick to say there never really was a going in.

Grade: 91

Comment: Some bands change their name to reinvent themselves, but the stylish garage rock of The Ride Theory remain intact. As do the two part vocal harmonies and excellent haircuts. All four members maintain different levels of shag! Sadly missing from tonight's show was psych/garage mainstay the harmonica, which was present in some Ride Theory songs. Bring back the mouth harp Young Rival!

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: E
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: You can always differentiate between young bands at those with more experience by the way they move on stage. Young rival are newly named, but their rock pedigree is obvious. They know their music and their instruments and move with them, instead of fighting the groove like many bands who focus only on playing it right. Frontman Aron D'Alesio is a classic example of this. He owns his guitar, and though he never wandered far from the mic, he was in constant motion.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: What you lose at the Mod Club in terms of intimacy you gain back in brilliant sound and lighting effects. Young Rival's big guitar sound became an enormous guitar sound that set the tone for their performance. Aron D'Alesio and drummer Noah Fralick compliment each other well vocally, and some of the show's best moments came when they were harmonizing. All four members interacted well together onstage, which was especially evident during stand out track "Dead End Scene" with it's early '70s guitar riff, psychedelic solo and ahh-ahh backing vocals from bassist John Smith and rhythm guitarist Kyle Kuchmey, who to that point had been fairly quiet.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Young Rival played a set that was short but sweet and left the crowd, who gradually swelled to 50 per cent capacity, wanting more. This was an excellent way to kick off a new chapter in the life of a band who actually aren't so young after all.