Danny Echo @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Danny Echo are a radio-friendly rock four-piece who share their name with their frontman.

Grade: 68

Comment: Danny Echo mean well, and they’re very competent at what they do. Unfortunately, they seem to be so heavily influenced by every popular British and American band in the past 30 or 40 years that their resulting sound has become utterly generic. They’re not a bad band by any means; they’re just a forgettable one.

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: G
Stage Banter: G
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Much like his music, singer Danny Echo is pleasant but just a little cheesy and not terribly exciting. Their MySpace page hints at some much more extravagant shows back home in B.C., complete with smoke machines and fire extinguishers, though, so maybe it’s not fair to judge the man or the band’s stage presence on this gig.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Danny Echo’s music is well-written and catchy in a familiar, comfortable, top 40 kind of way. Whether or not that's a compliment or condemnation really depends on personal taste.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
There is one area in which Danny Echo score some undeniable points: appropriate clothing. All four members looked presentable in uniforms of red shirts, black pants and black shoes. It may not sound like much, but with so many sloppy-looking bands running amok at NXNE this year, the band’s pride in their appearance was highly appreciated.