Angela Desveaux & The Mighty Ship @ CMW 2009

Background/Composition:
The most radio-ready performers of the evening, Angela Desveaux & The Mighty Ship have a very clean and polished country-tinged songstress approach that kind of encourages visualizing a Dawson's Creek montage sequence. That's not an insult, it's just true.

Grade: 77

Comment:
Whenever a songwriter puts their name out there like that, it invariably puts the emphasis on them. The Mighty Ship end up feeling a bit like a backing band and the results come across a bit canned, and maybe even phoned in. There were a lot of songs about love, but delivered in a somewhat passionless performance.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Desveaux is a strong, impressive vocalist, but the band seemed to take very few chances in their live performance. They performed their songs solidly, but gave little else to the audience.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
This well-constructed songs never seem to stray too far from a tried-and-true country rock formula, and if anyone can pull this off and still make it work, it's the Mighty Ship. Mike Feuerstack (Snailhouse) laid down some shimmering guitar work and it's definitely impressive when the songs hit their peak rock points.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Desveaux just needs to get a little more excited about her music and make the audience believe it. There's no doubt that this is a very solid band featuring a very sound songwriter, but this performance wouldn't have been the one to convince you.