Arietta @ CMW 2010

Background/Composition:
Arietta draw on both math- and arena-rock, with undeniable bits of what they used to call "emotional hardcore." It's joyously loud, gritty, anthemic music for grownups who have to hide their Fall Out Boy albums.

Grade: 80

Comment:
While still a little groggy from their 2:20 a.m. set at CHARTattack showcase at the Horseshoe Tavern the night before, Arietta played a tight and energetic — if slightly samey — set amid a somewhat incongruous, alt.country-focused lineup.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Steps:
Singer Tyler Johnston is the consummate punk frontman jammed into a deceptive, bearded package. His soaring, impassioned vocals anchor the band's sound, and he provided an energetic focal point for the show, connecting with the crowd while his bandmates tore through the set.

Although all the band members were clearly immersed in their performance, it would have been great to see these guys making eye contact and playing off one another a bit more, instead of simply managing not to collide during vigorous solo rockouts.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Steps:
Arietta's songs feature catchy choruses alongside plenty of full stops and syncopated rhythms, which they pulled off with fierce, practiced precision.

Although a band's heaviest songs are usually what float to the top first in terms of setlist creation, it almost felt like Arietta were only going at one speed the whole show. A little more rise-and-fall in their pacing would go a long way toward making individual songs more memorable.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Steps:
It's a damn shame the Sneaky Dee's audience didn't pay Arietta back for their efforts with a really good dance pit. Their energy and devotion to the songs shone through, and though they can still keep building on what they've got, their engaging live show should take them far.