Magneta Lane @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: They've been hidden away for the last year and a half making a new album, but it looks like this triad of garage-rockin' chicks is ready to step back into the spotlight.

Grade: 78

Comment: It's hard to not like these gals, but they were admittedly a little rusty. At one point, vocalist/guitarist Lexi Valentine and bassist French looked at each other and started shaking their heads because they'd presumably screwed something up. They likely just need a few more practice gigs to get back into their previously stellar form.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Maybe it was the number of great female vocalists I'd seen over the weekend, but Valentine's voice seemed a little flat. But their fans didn't seem to mind — as often happens at Magneta shows, the stage front was quickly filled with young, screaming girls. If nothing else, these ladies are empowering.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Highlights: Nadia King's drumming assault was killer. Also, the perpetually stoned, Courtney Love-ish look really suits French. The lightning bolt on her bass strap was super.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
These gals have a style all their own. Valentine's dresses frequently look like lingerie (that's not a complaint). All three have some hair issues that need to be worked out.