Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
Friday March 28, 2014 :
Photographer & reviewer: Terry-John Paull
Let me start by just saying …. This band is a powerhouse! When Melbourne based alternative rock dub metal band “12ft Ninja” took the stage recently at Newcastle’s Cambridge Hotel, there was no doubt that these guys meant business. Front man “Kin Etik” (think about it) hit the stage and exploded into life. Kin’s infectious energy immediately captured the crowds full attention and the 12ft Ninja machine was in motion. I had been lucky enough a few years back to catch a slightly younger 12ft Ninja supporting the band “Behind Crimson Eyes” on the Central Coast whilst doing an east coast tour. Even back then it was apparent that this band had something special, unique even, and I made a mental note to keep an eye on this band as I believed they were headed for much greater heights. Not only do I still believe that, but having seen how dynamic and refined they have become, it is clear to this writer, that their journey is just beginning.
The band played every song with passion and it was hard to pick stand out moment, although “Coming For You” was received like an eruption through the crowd and “Shuriken” had heads bangin’. The sound of the room was a little disappointing due to its muddy nature, although it was a fairly loud gig which would test any in house sound system. Damon McKinnon, The bass player is amazing on-stage performer! With such command and pure talent on his 6 string bass guitar, he made the show for me. What a musician! That’s not to take anything away from the other members, of course, they all brought the house down in their own unique ways. After the gig, a classic meet n greet took place and it was obvious the band members are really genuinely pleased with themselves and their career at the moment. Super friendly and genuinely down to earth blokes, I can’t wait to see them smash it all out again. Simply put – great band, great guys.
Still a relatively young band, 12ft Ninja only formed back in 2008. Delivering the impressive “Silent Machine” album in late 2012, they achieved their first headliner tour early in 2013 and have since released a series of 12 amazing comics incorporating song lyrics from “Silent Machine”. 12ft Ninja have achieved so much in such a short period of time, which only makes me wonder what the boys have in-store for the future? No doubt, we will see more great albums, more amazing artworks, and of course many, many more mind blowing gigs. If you want to check out the future of experimental progressive rock/Metal in Australia then these guys are the answer.
[nggallery id = 301]