The Death Set @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: The Death Set revel in hardcore-fed techno-punk and are like that strange man who used to come to your school and offer you candy in the parking lot after class. You obviously always wanted to take it, but remained hesitant for good reason. Listening to this three-piece (quartet if you count the sample track droning on in the background) is an experience marked by ambiguity, as you endlessly sort through your musical vocabulary in attempts to classify the noise you hear raging through the loud-speakers.

Grade: 70

Comment: The MC introduced The Death Set as “Devo for people with short attention spans.” But lead singer Johnny Siera quickly put that notion to rest when he walked up to his microphone and shouted, “We’re not fucking Devo!” The trio blasted headlong into a song that was half screamo and half hip-hop, while a sample of The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" played in the background. Needless to say, it was an A+ entrance. One was left skeptical whether they could continue in such a badass fashion.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It was obvious from the get-go that The Death Set were an abrasive tour de force. It seemed completely natural for Siera to swing microphones, jump on drum sets and climb atop a 15-foot amps stack. While guitarist Peter O'Connell and drummer Jahphet landis held down the fort, Siera ran rampant around the stage and delivered the day's best visual performance. Unfortunately, a long delay due to technical difficulties hindered the energy flow generated by the riotous frontman. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Unfortunately for The Death Set, there is more to musical performance than delivering an enjoyable visual experience. Indeed, a band must please the ears as well as the eyes, and The Death Set fail on this section of the report card. Siera and O'Connell's shrill screams (in unison, none the less) are enough to make one’s testicles hurt. Once the pain subsides, one is left to question why the group have chosen to begin every song with a misplaced hip-hop sample. As “In My White Tee” came through the speakers, I could not help but wonder why a punk tune would ever start with one of the worst hip-hop tracks in recent memory.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
There was an interesting clash of styles between all three band members. While Siera looked like one of those new age punks who can rock a New Era baseball cap without bending the brim and still seem hardcore, O’Connell looked distinctively indie-rock in his red pants. landis had a hip-hop vibe going — he donned a slight afro and large black sunglasses. Their mismatched fashions further emphasized the disparate musical styles in The Death Set’s sound.