By Odeisel

There comes a time in the lives of some bands where they have to decide whether they can really  play in the big leagues. The countless thousands of garage bands out there have to come to the realization that most of them are simply not ready for prime time.

But some are close, so close they can smell it.  And they have to decide if they are going to put their heart and soul into pushing themselves to that limit; to decide if this is going to change from hobby to way of life.

Shinobi Ninja seemingly stands at that crossroads.  As a band, they have been together for roughly a year, and they’ve promoted themselves well over this year, making tons of noise over the internet and even ending up in our own DJ Fusion’s Indiesent Exposure back in September. 

To our surprise they ended up on the undercard of a Cage show at the legendary BB King’s in New York recently. Suffice it to say, The Planet had to go check them out in the flesh and see what they were about on stage.

The band openly admitted that it was the biggest show they had done, but there was no visible nervousness. They boasted two rock guitars, a kick ass drummer, a DJ, a lead Rapper/Vocalist and a distaff female MC. I’m not well versed in their catalog so I won’t bullshit you with a long ass review but as per their performance critique:

The drummer and lead guitar were power packed and ready to go from the start. The second guitar was into it, but lacked the dynamic presence of the band mates. The DJ maintained solid pacing of the show, but wasn’t really in position to do anything that would wow you.

The lead rapper had that pretty fly for a white guy vibe, but not as corny, and it works for the band and the energy they project.  He’s like the college roommate that takes the bet on spring break and jumps from the first floor balcony into the pool: kinda wild, but not dumb enough to jump from the fifth floor.  Entertaining and energetic.

The female rounds off the group with a bit of sex appeal.  Her vocals can be stronger, and she may just do what every rap group does and threaten the sound man into raising their mic levels, but she delivers.  She’s like a good female bartender.  You always feel like they love you but it’s just a part of the show.  At the end of the night you’re drunk and she’s going home with someone else.  But you got what you paid for.

As a group they moved well together, there were no awkward transitions between songs and they maintained their collective energy level at a consistent position. They did their original material and a couple cover songs to give the audience a chance to sing along, which is standard for newer groups.  They were happy to be there and not in a shmuck way, but a genuine way. They never tried to go outside their talent level or ability and that’s to be commended.

And so without further ado, peep the vid, bitches. Shinobi Ninja.  Live at BB King’s 12/18/2009.  You think they’re ready for the big leagues?

Follow Odeisel on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/odeisel

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