Flash Lightnin' @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Is the classic rock revivalist market supersaturated yet? Flash Lightnin' don't think so and they've dropped the "g" to show they mean business. These three guys'll play anywhere you let them — they've opened for big-boys like Metric and Ladyhawk, but can just as often be found in the city's dingiest basements.

Grade: 87

Comment: In my perfect romantic dream, there isn't a violin playing in the background. Instead, it's Darren Glover noodling on his guitar. This guy can really grind an axe and has the ability to go overboard without becoming pretentious. He can quickly make you forget that this is just a three-piece band.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Glover made good use of the mostly-empty stage by playing guitar while standing on top of anything that would support his weight. There's an interesting dynamic at play between him and bassist Darcy Yates — one's the showy entertainer and the other's the calming keystone.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
It's surprising that even a semi-major label hasn't snatched these guys up yet. They'd be natural openers for any classic rock or country resurgence group — Black Mountain, Ladyhawk, Magnolia Electric Co. — and are nearing headlining status themselves. They've got wonderful everyman lyrics: "I'm tired of working! I'm tired of your blues!"

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Yates is a perfect example of how every band should want their bassist to look: long straggly hair, big-ass beard and a beer gut. People kept feeding the trio shots and they didn't seem at all perturbed; this was definitely the closest any of the night's acts came to being labelled booze-fuelled.