This Is Radio Freedom @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: This Is Radio Freedom play straight-up rock 'n' roll music. It’s crunchy, loud and seems to be more about style than music for this UK quartet.

Grade: 70

Comment: This Is Radio Freedom remind me of those guys in high school who start a band for the sole purpose of getting laid, but realized after the band’s inception that playing music was pretty fun and they were actually reasonably good at it. Now they seem confused as to whether they are sincere musicians or merely over-styled womanizers… Oh wait… Rockstars are over-styled womanizers. Never mind.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Frontman Matt Rimmer touches his hair a lot. While that is not a problem in and of itself, it does work to illustrate my notion that these guys just seem way too into themselves. Overall, This Is Radio Freedom put on a pretty boring show. Rimmer asked the crowd how they were doing at one point, but that was about it for stage banter. In their defense, however, I heard that the night before, they duct taped their drummer to his kit — a humourous stunt that would have added a much needed flair to a lacklustre performance.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
This Is Radio Freedom play rock 'n' roll music, and they play it right. There is nothing particularly fancy or interesting about their sound, but sometimes that’s a good thing. With bands getting more and more obscure and experimental these days, sometimes it’s nice to hear a group that doesn’t need 18 layers of noise to get the job done.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
I’m giving full style points here because I think these guys would be more offended if I insulted their clothing than their music. Rimmer certainly put some time into his outfit, donning a scarf (it was at least 35 degrees in Holy Joe’s that night), a big beaded necklace and several leather wristbands. The others sported some visible tattoos, tight jeans and Chucks. Who said rock 'n' roll was about the music?