Mike O'Neill @ NXNE 2000

Hometown: Halifax, NS

Background/Composition: O'Neill unveils a full band with guitars, and piano joining the bass and drum setup he has been known for in the past. Still able to write the perfect pop song that can stay in your head all day.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations:
80-100: Band exceeds skill and knowledge expectations. Rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Band achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Band demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
Below 50: Band has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Grade: 90

World Domination Status:
Comment: Playing in Toronto for the first time since his Inbreds days, the ever-so-popular Mike O'Neill took the Horseshoe stage with a casual stride and promptly kicked his new solo career into full swing. Backed by former members of a little ol' Canadian band named Thrush Hermit, O'Neill cruised through a set of more diversified pop tunes that had the audience bopping their heads.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/ Weaknesses/ Next Step: Always one of the wittiest people you will ever meet, O'Neill's onstage banter was in fine form. From general self-deprecating humour to stories about his footwear ('70s brown leather chelsea/cowboy boot, for those who are keeping score), O'Neill charmed the pants off of the crowd. Stage presence? Who needs silly antics when an entire crowd was simply enough to see (and feel) the spirit of the Inbreds (and Thrush Hermit) alive and well. Considering that he's still getting used to playing the guitar, and that he's teaching himself the piano, O'Neill looked fairly comfortable and relaxed.

Musical Analysis
Cooperation With Others: G
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: G
Audience Participation: E
Sound: G
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/ Weaknesses/ Next Step: O'Neill and Co. played flawless pop that was lush, bouncy, and jangly. His new songs still carry that pop sensibility that made the Inbreds such fan favourites, the only difference being that the less edgy, rough sound has been replaced with a more power pop feel.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: 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/ Next Step: O'Neill's biggest strength for winning over a crowd has always been his easygoing nature. It's a different type of charm and charisma, but he uses his dry wit so well.