Black Lungs @ CMW 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Black Lungs used to include Alexisonfire vocalist George Pettit and others, but they recently imploded and turned into guitarist Wade MacNeil with friend Sammi Bogdanski on keys.

Grade: 65

Comment: For a one man, one woman show, MacNeil and friend certainly made a lot of noise. He should definitely be commended for keeping this thing going after losing all of his bandmates. With Dallas Green's solo exploits on top of this lineup change, one has to wonder if there's any certainty in the future of Alexisonfire.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
MacNeil's attempts at banter were noticeably clumsy; it's clear he's not quite used to being the centre of attention. He mentioned at one point that an upcoming song was about "referring to your penis as a can opener." It wasn't clear whether or not this was a joke.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
MacNeil certainly deals in sinister subjects, but if anyone's going to sing about the underworld, I suppose he fits the bill. (He did eventually break out a love song.) While MacNeil was doing his best to make this an entertaining show, the minimalism of the set-up just didn't do justice to the metal/punk he was trying to produce. With a full band, it probably would have been destructive (in a good way), but as is, Black Lungs just don't have enough clout to command a crowd.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
MacNeil's look? A Blues Brother who's gone to Hell and back. This is not a compliment.