Ultimate Power Duo @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Truth be told, the Ultimate Power Duo are actually a trio that includes a comely drummer named AKdoubleAK. Things they promise include: big riffs, plenty of "yeahs" and "uh-huhs" and a wake of destruction.

Grade: 80

Comment: The skies opened and a tremendous thunderstorm began as the Ultimate Power Duo took the stage. For real. It was like in Masters Of The Universe, when Prince Adam yells "By the power of Grayskull!" and becomes He-Man. Sneaky Dee's was still fairly empty at this point, but the Duo did have one rather inspired fan, from whom they were happy to take requests.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The lads loved to chat with the virtually non-existent crowd, and by the end of their set, they actually managed to convince a few patrons to join them in their "Power Fist" gesture. They were by no means a huge band, but they did loom large.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Consider the Ultimate Power Duo a near-metal version of Tenacious D. "The Cone Of Silence" was a set highlight. Midway through the track, the boys cut power to their instruments and continued to play in relative quiet. It was the first real attempt at comedy I'd seen all weekend and their lone fan went wild.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
There aren't enough bands that wear ties. Sure, the Ultimate Power Duo's ties were sported for comedic effect, but they made bassist/vocalist The Riz and guitarist/vocalist ScottRP (yep, those are their powerful stage names) seem like nice, likable boys. At the end of the set, ScottRP broke at least two of his strings; that's some wicked thrashing.