The Coast @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Is it so hard to come up with band names these days that it has become acceptable to just throw the word "The" in front of anything? (Granted, the worst offenders are The The). The Coast have been causing a bit of a stir on the indie circuit this year. Their bio says they're influenced by The Verve and U2; let's hope that's a typo.

Grade: 82

Comment: This was a powerful 40 minutes — you can't ask for much more in an opening band. It wouldn't be a far stretch to put these guys at the top of the up-and-coming heap. They brought along a lady friend to sing backup vocals and it was a wise choice.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
The Coast must have brought a van full of groupies with them, because there were an awful lot of screaming fans for a 9 p.m. set. Their banter could use some work, but they at least seemed grateful for the turnout.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Having three guitars in your band is a double-edged sword. When all of them are in sync, they make some beautiful music, but there were a few points when stray strumming really fuzzed up the momentum. Bassist Luke Melchiorre was superb. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Singer Ben Spurr: you proclaimed yourself the sweatiest guy in rock and roll, but you've got a long way to go, friend. Okkervil River's Will Sheff can soak through three layers in under 10 minutes.