Shinobi Ninja “Escape From New York” for Nationwide Tour! (Photo Slideshow)

Shinobi Ninja Live at El Corazon, Seattle Wa (Photo by Arlene Brown)

Here at SMI we frequently receive requests via Twitter from bands who would like us cover their shows.  We make every effort to do so, and I recently found myself thoroughly ecstatic when I caught the Shinobi Ninja show at El Corazon. The band has never played in Seattle before, but these cats are familiar with Seattle.  They LOVE Seattle and were over the moon to play here.   I don’t think the small front stage at El Corazon had ever seen this much energy, excitement, and pure thrill from a band.  Ever.

Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, these rockers/rappers played as if they were playing for thousands (which they have).  But the extremely small crowd of 30-40 people made it feel like our own personal private party.  Being “up close and personal’ was brought to a whole new level as Baby G danced and sang for the lucky crowd.

Combining head thrashing rock, rap, a dj, mega drums, and soulful vocals, this crew of six packed a serious punch on (and off) the stage.  I chatted with them before the show and discovered that their pure love of what they do is contagious.  They live for music.  I wanted to get on stage and jam with them.  But, be careful about asking who they like better, Pearl Jam or Nirvana.  This leads to some serious throw downs.  Luckily, it’s all in fun (for the most part).

Duke Sims (D.A.) and Baby G share singing and rapping duties.  Maniac Mike lives up to his name on guitar.  Alien Lex jumps around the stage like he’s on fire.  DJ Axis Powers rips some incredible sounds on the turntables, and Terminator Dave destroys the drums.

This self-promoting, video-making, self-managing band has the absolute BEST merchandise. Booking their own shows, they are making their way across the country.  If you can, catch their show, it’s worth every penny!

“Ahem” – attention publicists/promoters/record labels – contact them.  They’re on Twitter!

Opening for Shinobi Ninja were three bands.  Pacific Drive, consisting of six recent high school graduates from Snohomish who play rock infused with horns and rap.   Keep your eyes and ears on these kids:  Isaiah Henderson (lead vocals/rhythm guitar),  Jared Squires (lead guitar), Trevor Church (drums), Brandon Hailey (saxophone), Jacob Bentzen (trombone/piano) and Dallin Kent (bass).

The Restless Sons from Northern California include brothers Darren (vocals/guitar) and Bucky O’Brien (lead guitar), Neil Thollander (bass) and Wenatchee native Bryan Goodrich (drummer). Formerly known as Something Cool, the band kept everyone dancing with their true punk/rock sounds.

Seattle band, Smashie Smashie performed right before Shinobi Ninja.  These confetti throwing, BIG ball bouncing “psychedelic space post punkers” brought it BIG to the stage.  Eric Richards, Brando Vester-Hymes, and Stegan Philips were a fun and welcome addition to a night of great music.

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Shinobi Ninja set list:

1. Gloom Doom
2. Power Strangers
3. Save US
4. Burnout
5. Libyan Libra
6. What If Times
7. ILL ISH
8. Axis Solo
9. Slow Mourning
10. One Time for the Radio
11. Saw Red
12. Brainstorm
13. Gallons
14. Rock Hood

*ENCORE* Brooklyn to Babylon