Twelve Foot Ninja - SmokeBomb EP

Tue 1st Feb, 2011 in Music Reviews

Smoke Bomb, the second EP release from Melbourne group Twelve Foot Ninja is a refreshing approach to local… ninjametal? Anybody who has seen Twelve Foot Ninja perform live is aware that the band dress like ninjas when performing. The energy and the enthusiasm translates well onto record, with Smoke Bomb being a refreshingly unique approach towards the Australian metal scene.

The Smoke Bomb EP is a mirage of different sounds stirred through to perfection. And then thrown at the listener, assaulting the senses left, right and centre. Classic Ninja move. Chris Farley would be proud.

Opening track Clarion seems to have traces of influence by MM9, another local rock/metal group who have gathered a loyal cult following. Vocalist Kin switches up the vocal approach, one moment rough, the next somber and slow. With equally as heavy instrumentals, it allows for an attention grabbing opening and keeps the listener enthralled.

War (huh, what is it good for?) turns out, yeah, absolutely nothing. The song itself is a commentary on how shit war really is. Yes, we hear so many of these songs each year, with the same old, same old themes. ‘An eye for an eye, makes the whole world blind.’ Truth, honesty and cliché lyrics aside, the song itself is instrumentally great but could have been dropped from this release.

The oddly named Apocolypstik once again, features some very interesting instrumentals. Mixing drum beats, percussion, piano and guitar, it’s very other worldly. Child With No Enemy is similar in style. Talk of destiny and missions lead the charge. It’s loud and boisterous, and a tad melodramatic. But all good ninja metal is, right?

Final track Manufacture of Consent features special guest appearances from Bär McKinnon, and Ollie McGill of The Cat Empire fame. It has reggae vibe to it, obviously an influence from McGill, but all this changes midway, when the guitar kicks in, but the pace switches back and forth, allowing for something completely different to everything else on the EP. Guitarist Steve Mackay really shines through here, with a wonderful solo towards the end of the track.

The artwork of the EP is incredible. Hand sketched illustrations, inked and coloured, it all resembles some over the top manga/anime, yet the detail is astounding. Ken Draw’s work is outstanding. It really ties the packaging together, and catches the eye.

Twelve Foot Ninja’s second release is a solid follow up, that deserves to be heard. Whilst many local acts attempt to emulate styles of Karnivool, Mammal and The Butterfly Effect, and fail miserably, Twelve Foot Ninja kill the competition and manage to add their own twist to the pot.