You Say Party! We Say Die! @ NXNE 2007

Background/Composition: You Say Party! are riding high on the wave of acclaim their Lose All Time album has garnered from critics across the country. This band are so badass they were recently banned from the U.S. for four years after being less than truthful with border officials.

Grade: 91

Comment: You Say Party! were definitely trying to make their performance a party for the Horseshoe's patrons, pausing mid-song whenever possible to engage audience members in clap-alongs. They officially win the competition for goofiest quote of the night: "Can I get more kick-ass audience members in my monitors?"

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Lead singer Becky Ninkovic is a force to be reckoned with. She may have been discovered singing to herself in a pizza parlour, but this girl was made for the stage.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: It may have just been the venue, but for a band who place great emphasis on vocals, Ninkovic was often drowned in sound. The good news is, that sound was a fierce guitar assault that had the crowd jumping up and down for the duration of the set.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: There was a Lollapalooza-quality mosh pit happening during the set. I just hope the body surfer who fell wasn't seriously injured — the Horseshoe's floor is harder than dirt. After YSP!WSD! left the stage, the humidity over the dance floor was at such a high level, you could taste sweat in the air.