Rah Rah @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: A bunch of sweet kids from the prairies play alt.country tinged rock with with an ever-changing line-up. On this night the band was a quintet with guitar, bass, keyboard, drums and violin.

Grade: 88

Comment: Not knowing what to expect with the band, Rah Rah proved to be the most pleasant surprise of the night. They started the set laid back but gradually worked their way up to an inspired rock freak-out. Underneath the band's laid back prairie charm, they pack a lyrical punch singing world-weary songs about politics and love.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Wearing loose-fitting jeans, a T-shirt and an Expos cap, Singer/guitarist Marshall Burns has the nonchalant "strong, silent type" thing nailed, which made all the more thrilling when he let loose a little towards the end with a perfectly timed leg kick.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
There's just something compelling about this band, whether it's Burns's earnest delivery (shades of a baritone Neil Young), the catchy tunes underpinned by rock solid musicianship, or the fact that one of their songs calls for a sound effect created by chewing candy into the microphone.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Rah Rah proves that Regina isn't just a stuffy government town after all — and judging by the cheers and singing along, it sounded like the band brought half of Regina with them for their Toronto debut.