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Expecting a sensory overload of psychedelic visuals, drunken distortion, spine tingling beats, and mind numbing audio effects for the Injured Ninja / French Rockets 12” vinyl split, both bands did not disappoint.

My apologies to opening act Bone, I only arrived in time to see Injured Ninja enter the stage. Dressed in black ninja cloaks, the band immediately peaked my interest. Steven Hughes (guitar) and Dominic Pearce (bass), commanded the audience’s attention by feeding off each others’ energy. Both were constantly head banging, thrashing their instruments, while maintaining a consistent frenetic pace to their music. Hughes and Pearce’s strong bass and heavy guitar were reminiscent of 90s Stoner Rock: heavy, catchy, psychedelic, with a hint of blues. Coupled with Jake Steele’s effective, but not overpowering, synth keys and Matt Bairstow’s excellent drumming and It was clear that Injured Ninja are a tight and highly skilled live band.

There is no doubting Ninja’s skill as a group in their catchy, progressive, molten-rock style; however, this band is missing a strong lead singer. While Pearce’s vocals were somewhat up to par when he swapped his bass for percussion duties, Hughes was barely audible at points of their set. An amazing guitarist, Hughes should focus all of his energy towards his axe. I was equally surprised by his skill with the guitar as I was with his mediocre vocal duties. A strong front-man or woman for Ninja would further elevate their musical skill and allow more experimentation in their songs. Regardless, all four Ninja boys know how to spark a crowd’s interest and are a highly skilled, cohesive group.

As is the case for most live shows, the best is usually saved for last, yet the crowd seemed less excited about French Rockets than they were for Injured Ninja. Most punters in the Chapel chose to sit on the hardwood floor for the Rockets’ set. This being my first Rockets show, I passed this irritable ‘sitting’ off as perhaps the norm for their live shows. Who sits during such a live psychedelic show?

While I soon struggled to stand from the knee buckling sounds of Jamie MacDougall’s guitar and synth work and the mind altering visuals behind the band, I realised that I should’ve chosen to sit.
From the opening first chords, French Rockets put on a show worthy of thousands to witness. Perfectly synchronised lights and lasers, although on a smaller scale, were comparable to Tool or Nine Inch Nails’ live approach. Simple strobe lighting below MacDougall’s keyboard acted as a perfect enhancement to his sinister guitar work. Representing a professional, intelligent, and original approach to a visually synchronized live show, the Rockets seized my attention right from the outset.

Although in a different aspect, the Rockets were as dominant on the stage as their Ninja counterparts. Rather than a physical approach to the stage, the Rockets use their music and visuals to create an eerie stage presence. Carl Properjohn, lead vocalist and guitars, maintains a strong musical bond between MacDougall and drummer Roger Poustie without eye contact. Instead, Properjohn and co. feed off each others instruments rather than physical recognition. Their strong stage presence and tightness as a group exists in long syncopated jams. Rather than conform to boring, crowd friendly musical arrangements, Rockets embrace their improvisation skills. Case in point, they played only 5 songs in a span of nearly 50 minutes.

As a Canadian visiting Australia, acclimatising to this absurd heat, and exploring the musical scene in Australia, specifically Perth, I was impressed by these two local acts. With no previous knowledge of either band, I was floored by their stage presence and musical skill. Injured Ninja are recommended for their crowd pleasing stage presence and catchy experimental-punk riffs, while French Rockets’ stage show is a psychedelic experience reminiscent of an acid trip. Perth residents should feel lucky to have two fantastic bands dwelling within their home city, I know I do.

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