Vivian Girls @ CMW 2010

Background/Composition:
This all-female trio of singer/guitarist Cassie Ramone, bassist/vocalist Kickball Katy and drummer Ali Koehler blend garage rock, punk, classic girl-group pop and an occasional hint of psychedelia in their sound. They've experienced both a blog-driven buzz and subsequent backlash in releasing two albums for In The Red over the past two years.

Grade: 81

Comment:
Vivian Girls have become more proficient on their instruments from when I saw them a year ago, and Koehler seems to be keeping more of a tribal beat behind the drum kit.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Vivian Girls are road warriors who tour almost non-stop, so they're definitely comfortable on stage and warmly engaged the crowd that had grown significantly and pushed to the front to see them. It just took Kickball Katy to ask why only a few people at the side of the stage were dancing to get almost everyone else moving and moshing.

The two frontwomen have lots of tattoos on their arms and, while I wouldn't call them hot, they're not unattractive, either.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The last time I saw Vivian Girls, Ramone's guitar broke and she had to find a replacement. This time Koehler's kick pedal malfunctioned, but another band volunteered theirs, and they continued on after a short delay. Their girl group pop with crunch seems darker in performance, but it works well.

A drunk fan came up on stage to sing and then returned later in the set to try it again, but was soon pulled off by annoyed people in the crowd. Kickball Katy was knocked over while this occurred, but she quickly got up and continued as if nothing happened.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Vivian Girls were smiling and friendly and hugged several fans after their set. If lipstick is a nod to disposable fashion, since it fades or smudges and women frequently reapply it, Ramone had that covered.

Kickball Katy and Ramone frequently swigged from a bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey they had brought on stage, and they gave the aforementioned drunk stage crasher a couple of mouthfuls as well.

The band were the last of the evening and therefore permitted to extend their set to 50 minutes, which still left the crowd wanting more.