The Red Light Riot @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: The Red Light Riot are the type of band you're much more likely to find out back smoking cigarettes than in the gymnasium rocking the pep rally. And based on their bad attitudes and menacing scowls, I'd be impressed if the principal or anyone else had the guts to tell 'em to shape up or ship out.

Grade: 76

Comment: The Red Light Riot specialize in aggressive, working class hard rock that doesn't break any new ground, yet is satisfying if you go in with tempered expectations. Duos are always cool and RLR excel in a live setting because they're clearly having a hoot up on stage, even if it's just an opportunity to jump around a little and yell into some microphones. More bands should adopt this approach.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The Red Light Riot's MO is clearly to rock and then rock some more, so they accomplished what they set out to do. Whether it was the lively between song banter or the serpentile movements of their lead singer, RLR managed to make the most of their crappy 9 p.m. time slot by leaning on their amps and letting loose. They were ballsy, blustery and occasionally brutal — sometimes within the very same song.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
I really question why bands such as RLR opt to play covers when they're only given about 30 minutes to work with in these types of showcases. The band's version of Stone Temple Pilots' "Sex Type Thing" was solid enough, but when you're throwing that stuff out there only one song into your set, it really begs the question if you're fully confident in your own material. Hell, elongate some of those guitar solos next time or maybe incorporate some observational humour into your stage banter — it'll only help in the long run.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
A few observations about the lead singer's pants: They were red, plaid and fabulous any way you slice it. Like a cross between Joan Jett and golfer Seve Ballesteros, these are exactly the type of pants that any self-respecting rock chick should be wearing not only on stage but also to job interviews, Sunday dinners, gardening and any other occasion. To summarize, nice pants!