Diemonds @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: This rock chick-fronted quartet specializes in thrash punk and Sunset Strip-era metal.

Grade: 82

Comment: Diemonds have been making a name for themselves around town lately, but it seems to be more due to their image and big talk than any outrageous stage antics. Still, give 'em time and a crash course on the road and they might just end up as legendary as they hope to be.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
They've got their metal image and they're sticking to it ? right down to the leather vests and skinny jeans, the glittering accessories and the wild facial hair. I guess the bass player missed the memo, though ? he was an unfortunate standout in a plain striped polo shirt. Huh? To be fair though, most of the audience didn't even notice his existence, what with being enraptured by the sultry stage presence of singer Priya Panda)

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Again, a case of not having much variety to their tunes, but they've obviously got a formula working for them and they're sticking to it. Big hair metal guitar riffs are the order of the day with Diemonds, and though it comes off as a little gimmicky, they do have the chops. A cover of "Suffragette City" left much to be desired and was, what one of my compatriots declared, "the worst Bowie cover I have ever heard" (and this is coming from a girl with Ziggy Stardust tattooed on her back). Pretty excellent originals, though. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
It says a lot for Diemonds that they were able to garner a pretty large crowd for a 2 a.m. slot, so maybe their self-made hype is working out for them after all. They don't always look like a unit as a band, but they seem to rock out together ? and drink together ? as a team, which goes a long way. Now, where's the Aqua-Net when you need it...