Band: MARS (AKA Casey Marshall), Hometown: Victoria, BC, Venue: Holy Joe's, Date: Friday, March 30, 2001

Background/Composition: Standard rock three-piece, with some added samples and beats.  Grade: 85

80-100: Band exceeds skill and knowledge expectations. Rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Band achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Band demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
Below 50: Band has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

World domination status: Progressing well towards world domination.

Comment:David Usher and Mark Makowy of Moist j. Englishman and uber lawyer Chris Taylor packed into teeny tiny Holy Joe's for this showcase. Need any more be said?

Oral And Visual Communication
With nary a word to the audience (he didn't even introduce himself until the last number), Marshall let the songs speak for themselves. Saves you from putting your foot in your mouth, but after an entire night of folksiness, the banter was noticeably absent. Regardless, the songs stood on their own - aside from being a bit mumbly-mouthed, it was a well performed gig.

Eye Contact: G, Pronunciation: S, Stage Presence: G, Stage Banter: N, Image: S, Appearance: G, Use Of Stage: S.
Cooperation With Others: G, Level Of Participation: G, Problem Solving: G, Teamwork: E, Work Habits: G, Organization: G, Audience Participation: E, Sound: E, Composition: E, Songs: E, Charisma: E, Sexiness: E+, Haircut: G, Indie Rock Footwear: E, Nods To Disposable Fashion: E, Cool Equipment: E, Level Of Inebriation: S, Actual Ability: E
Skills: E=Excellent G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Musical Analysis
A bold, powerful, breathy and easy to digest voice. A good counter to the pulsating rockingness of the music. Seems to be channeling Jeff Buckley at times, along with a fair dose of near-folk ethic. (He did cover a Bob Dylan tune, after all.) Marshall is currently collaborating with Gavin Brown (who's worked with Sarah Harmer and Big Sugar), as well as Moist's Makowy, who will co-write songs on a forthcoming record.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Damn sexy. He knows how to swivel his hips. Most boys never get that far. - Erin Cardiff, www.chartattack.com, 10 April 2001.