Monotonix @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: These three guys from Israel played Led Zeppelin-inspired garage rock that served as a side show to one of the most insane performances I've ever witnessed.

Grade: 98

Comment: Let me just say that I thought long and hard about that rating. Monotonix's music isn't incredible, but the show surrounding it is so jaw-dropping that it hardly matters. They were NXNE's must-see-to-believe band. You know what? They're one of the world's ONLY must-see-to-believe bands.

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: N
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: S
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: Ex100

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
I will now proceed to list off some events that occurred during this set: Singer Ami Shalev attempted to murder his bandmates at least three times. He strangled the guitarist with his mic chord and put a plastic garbage bag over the drummer's head. Shalev climbed a photographer to make his way to the top of Reverb's central lighting rig. At the beginning of one song, the bass drum was moved to a different part of the floor where the guitarist played it while the drummer, situated on another part, performed on the remainder of the kit. Shalev moved the rest of the kit mid-song and the group didn't miss a beat. I have no idea how that happened. By the end of the set, the kit had moved three times, finishing on the bar, where the shirtless band members soaked up a ridiculous amount of adulation. I could go on. The only thing they didn't do was set themselves on fire, but apparently they have done that at other shows.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
You couldn't really hear what Shalev was singing, but it didn't matter much. The guitar heroics and drum acrobatics made up for that. The music reminded me of early White Stripes, except louder and less structured. Again, music was inconsequential due to the way in which it was conveyed, but if Shalev had been a dynamo frontman, I probably would have knocked the grade up to 100. I have a hunch the songs sound alright on record.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
All of the above, plus they rocked awesome Israeli fashion and wild Jew-fros. I've said enough. See Monotonix as soon as humanly possible.