Unsparing Sea @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: The band are called Unsparing Sea and they're from Cleveland, Ohio. The band are called Unsparing Sea and they're from Cleveland, Ohio. The band are called Unsparing Sea and they're from Cleveland, Ohio. That was pretty much the extent of frontman J.R. Bennett's stage banter. The six-member band consists of an indie rock three-piece (guitar, bass and drums) fused with an electric cellist and trumpet player and a sixth member who handles everything else, from glockenspiel to musical saw.

Grade: 75

Comment: Cursed with the opening 8 p.m. time slot, Unsparing Sea played to a small crowd, which was perhaps not what they were hoping for after coming all the way from Cleveland. Although they seemed to have a bit of trouble connecting with the audience, they churned out a tight and competently played indie-folk set.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Unsparing Sea paints an interesting picture on stage, with half the band dressed in jeans and rock T's and the other half sporting more folkey attire. Frontman Bennett resigned to mumbling about Cleveland, Ohio after each song break, the bass player spent the majority of the set with his back to the audience, and the rest of the musicians sat down. The most interesting thing to watch on stage was Sarah Leitten with her musical saw. She deftly switched between it and her collection of instruments. It's just a shame that the theremin wasn't working. Tip for next year: tell us more about yourselves — we want to know!

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Unsurprisingly, given the band's eclectic instrumentation, their sound is a rich and textured one capable of turning from indie guitar crunch to folky introspection on a dime. Trumpet and cello were well-balanced in the mix so both had their moments to shine without getting drowned out, and Leitten gets extra props for playing the musical saw in tune.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Hopefully somewhere in Cleveland, Ohio, cars aren't crashing into each other because of the missing Stop sign that Unsparing Sea pilfered to double as a percussion instrument on stage. It does make an interesting sound when it's whacked with a mallet, though.