Young Rival @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: These four rock dudes rocked the dude rock. Tres balls.

Grade: 77

Comment:Meatnpotatoes. These guys didn't bring any bullshit and asked for none in return. They're a rock band, after all, and rock bands play rock music. Weird how easy it is to forget that simple tautology. That's why the world needs bands like Young Rival to come by, set up their instruments, and kick out the jams like there's nothing else to think about.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Not Flashy in voice or appearance, Young Rival's workman-like Hamiltonian approach got the job done. Even so, there is a lot of room for improvement in this category. Frontman Aron D'Alesio did not exactly ooze charisma and his voice, while adequate for the songs, was hardly inspiring. Meanwhile the band was more or less stationary during most of the set. It would have been nice to be presented with a little more activity.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
If Young Rival ever become famous they'll probably end up produced and marketed into some soulless Jet clone. Let's hope for music's sake that they stay small, pure and rough purveyors of potent retro-touched garage rock. The record industry loves accessible old/new guitar bands like this and it has a unique talent for turning balls into raisins.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
NXNE can feel like a costume ball with so many tightly themed bands walking around the city. It's funny to see four guys in suits and eyeliner buying street meat, so you'd think some casual no-nonsense Hamilton boys would be refreshing. But what looks goofy at the hot dog cart can be killer on stage. Young Rival's jeans'n'shirt style felt underdone.