Black Rice @ NXNE 2003

Hometown: Vancouver, BC

Background/Composition: A group of four post-punks who have aptly labeled their sound "after-math-rock."

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:79

Comment:
While intense, angular rock isn't about to save the people from their modern rock chains, the band have an undeniable appeal. If they can continue to convert the uninitiated like they did during this set, there may be hope for the future.

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

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact:G
Pronounciation:G
Stage Presence:E
Stage Banter:G
Image:G
Appearance:G
Use Of Stage:E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  It's a rare band that can become totally consumed by their music on stage without making you feel like you've walked in on a group of oblivious music geeks practicing in their basement. Multiple members addressed the audience and were even playful at time, which was an interesting counterpart to their hard, driving songs. The crowd at the bar was quite obviously drawn to them and by the end of the set, the once empty floor had turned into a sizable, engaged crowd.

Musical Analysis
Cooperation With Others: E
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving:E
Teamwork:E
Work Habits:E
Organization:E
Audience Participation: E
Sound:G Composition:E
Songs:G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Black Rice are a solid, cohesive unit. With powerful guitar riffs propelled by potent bass and drums, they delivered songs with unique timing and melody. Although the set dragged a little in the middle, with some of the sing-songish vocals threatening to turn them into a sort of Pavement for recovering metalheads, they pulled it together toward the end and more than redeemed themselves. If At The Drive In were to mutate into a fresh, new Vancouver incarnation (but keep some of the hair), the results would be a lot like this set.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma:G
Problem Solving:G
Teamwork:G
Sexiness:S
Haircut:S
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: S
Cool Equipment:G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability:G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Black Rice are from Vancouver, and they look the part. Bonus points for the mustaches. It's a risky brand of facial hair and those who can pull it off without looking silly or creepy should be rewarded for their audacity and unique sense of style.