Team Robespierre @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
This Brooklyn, New York punk foursome played earlier this same night at Wrongbar.

Grade: 65

Comment:
Let's face it, when I've been hanging out in the same dark room for five hours it's going to take something pretty special to impress me. Team Robespierre were nothing special. Their straightforward, Rancid-esque pop punk reminded me of all the zillions of similar bands and songs I've heard. Adding some digital backing tracks for a modern touch just made them sound like they were trying to get on the next Vice sampler.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Ty, the frontman, filled the space between songs by talking to a few people in the front about Sneaky Dee's. Like, "What do you think of this place? What's that? Try the nachos?"

Chit chat apparently isn't his forte. Raspy Tim Armstrong style shouts are.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Sometimes I hate reviewing punk bands. Sure, they're fun to jump around to, but so many bands sound alike that it's hard to differentiate them. Team Robespierre spiced things up with some pre-recorded synth tracks, but that only turned them into the one thing worse than a derivative punk band: a derivative hipster punk band.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The band got upset with the sound technician for not turning their synth beats up loud enough. They apparently broke a keyboard at Wrongbar, so they might normally have a more electro pop sound. Would that really have been an improvement?