The River Raid @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Four peppy Brazilians (and a guest Canadian drummer, strangely) kicking out some fine 'n' raucous rock jams.

Grade: 88

Comment: Now this is something everyone wants to see at a festival — some actual goddamn effort and enthusiasm! These young imports from Brazil were happy to be playing in the Great White North and it definitely showed. There was lots of fun had by both band and audience.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
After managing to somehow jam five guys and a synth console on the Dollar's small stage, The River Raid did a great job filling the room with sound and exuberance. They didn't have all that much of a collective image, though, unless you count looking like ordinary dudes off the street to be a cohesive look.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
No doubt buoyed by the bevvy of hot dancing ladies on the floor during their set, The River Raid made sure to pump out some groove-worthy tunes, as well as get the crowd worked up through random spontaneous yelping to begin and end a few choice songs. They also know the cardinal rule that three guitars sound a whole lot more awesome than two guitars, and that you should be very, very grateful to anyone who loans you a bass guitar when you find yourself in need of a non-broken one.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Songs like the aptly titled "Alcohol" put smiles on faces throughout the room. Throw in a capable Violent Femmes cover, nonsensical language-barrier banter and plenty of headbanging, and you've got the first attention-grabber of the night. It was a breath of fresh air to see some kids genuinely excited about playing NXNE, rather than the same tired locals who trot out to play this things year after year.