Adam & The Amethysts @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION:
Adam Waito from Miracle Fortress literally unleashes his folk-pop side project. This was their first show.

Grade: 68

Comment: You have to give Waito some credit — the songs weren't terrible, and the performances had enough charm to keep the operation afloat. But they have a long, long way to go before they'll be a band people would pay to see.

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: G
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
It's not like Waito was lacking confidence, but the group definitely didn't have enough practice time under their collective belt. I'd have actually thought they would be a bit tighter, since two of the three side players were Miracle Fortress' Jessie Stein and Nathan Ward. But no dice. It was choppy at best.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
The songs had a lot of promise, especially the one Waito played by himself at the end of the set. Waito has a decent voice and songwriting skills that made the group one who could develop into a very solid act. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Waito (and probably Stein) brought a sizable crowd of friends with them, and said crowd provided more applause than the group had any right to receive. But hey, first shows are nothing if not a friend-oriented affair. They even cheered for an encore, and since they had a little time on the clock, Waito obliged with the aforementioned solo finale, which brought the set to a satisfying climax.