The Vibrants @ NXNE 2007

Background/Composition: Hailing from London, U.K. this five-piece alternative band revels in stadium-sized rock anthems. They've had the nod of approval from The Who's Pete Townshend and are now on the rise as one of the U.K.'s new buzz bands.

Grade: 84

Comment:Though a lot of peeps came and went during the band's set, they captured a huge crowd and left the stage amidst a flurry of arms in the air and calls for an encore.

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: S
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: The band's bass player threatened to outdue frontman Giles Farnham with his awesome deer-in-the-headlights stare. In fact, the whole band hammed it up with rock poses for pretty much the whole set. In a fired-up finale the guitarist and bass player rubbed the strings of their instruments together to much cheering.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: It's tempting to say The Vibrants are compensating for a lack of musical originality with all the showmanship, and the dancey beats and angular guitars don't do much to dispel this notion. However, the band performed such a well-oiled set, with accomplished playing from all corners, that it's hard to fault the band on that alone.These guys know how to play off each other and they finished their set with more than a few converts.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: It's easy to envision The Vibrants on the cover of a magazine. And it's also easy to imagine them wanting to be on the cover of a magazine. From the freshly-coiffed hair down to the tapered vests and jeans, these guys play the rock 'n' roll part well. Though they proved that they've also got some chops to back it up.