Young Rival @ CMW 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: I really liked this band's former moniker, The Ride Theory, and I don't know why they had to go and change it to Young Rival, but let's suspend judgment on that for now. They rock like they don't have a care in the world. That'll probably change when they sign to a label and their spirits are crushed, but let's enjoy it while it lasts.

Grade: 87

Comment:There wasn't much crowd left when Young Rival took to the stage, but they did manage to get most of the stragglers on their feet, thanks to a well-executed pop/punk/and roll attack. If there was ever going to be a mosh pit in the Rivoli back room, this was the night for it to happen.

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: S
Pronunciation: G
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: S
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
They were a focused foursome; that much was abundantly clear. It takes a heckuva lot of practice to sound that tight. They seamlessly blended one song into the next throughout much of their set, but it would have been nice if they'd stopped to address the crowd a little more.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Listening with your eyes closed, you'd think these guys are much older and more experienced than they probably are. In Young Rival's case, the delivery is more important than the material.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
You made fun of the preppy-stoner set in high school, but what you didn't know, is that when they weren't showing up to class high, they were putting together a rock band in the drummer's garage. You beat them on math tests, but now that they're grown up and too big for the garage, they beat you in cool.