The Disraelis @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: This is a guitar-driven post-punk trio that comes off sounding a hell of a lot like a synth-less New Order.

Grade: 68

Comment: Unlike other "dis-" words, like "discord" or "dissention," there was no hint of rebellion or attitude of any form in The Disraelis set. In fact, the majority of it was pretty bland and sleepy, which doesn't make for a good band choice for the midnight slot. What were they thinking?

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: S
Pronunciation: G
Stage Presence: N
Stage Banter: N
Image: S
Appearance: S
Use Of Stage: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
With a guitarist more interested in looking down at his guitar than looking up at the crowd, and a drummer more interested in fixing his hair between songs, this definitely wasn't a visually exciting crew. Add in a minimum of stage banter and a maximum of time-wasting tuning up, and the only thing that kept my attention on the stage was the nice ringing guitar melodies.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Gloomy and moody was the order of the night for The Disraelis, which made them a bit of a buzzkill considering the fact that they were sandwiched between the two outrageous bands. Sure, their songs were nicely constructed and you could pick out their influences in your sleep, but that doesn't mean they got the crowd moving any further than a bit of nodding and swaying along.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
The Disraelis are a typical case of having good sounds and good songs, but they're in a bit of a charisma black hole. The drummer was pretty cute, yeah, but they all made a damn sombre sight, especially when the majority of the room seemed to be expecting another fun party band. They were like that one dude at the kegger who insists on sitting in the corner of the room, looking distant and angsty. Next.