Album Review: Shinobi - Against The Brave

As a diehard Manly Sea Eagles rugby league supporter, this reviewer should be predisposed to despise anything remotely associated with traditional rivals Parramatta. However, there are a number of things to like about Shinobi, fronted by former Eels, NSW and Australian representative Eric Grothe Jnr. Thus, we'll leave the abuse in the stands.

There are few real surprises or songwriting curveballs, but they tackle the task of their debut LP with vigour, playing as if entire movements within rock music never went down. This means no death growls, rapping, flannel or wub wub's, but few frills either – bar splashes of keys and more expansive closer Said And Done. Shihad (hooky The Finding, Beautiful Strays) and early Grinspoon are the most appropriate reference points for the Sydney outfit. Liberal doses of Helmet-esque riffage (Page Hamilton may have the legal team on the phone after hearing Waking A Mass Army and the title track) are fused with doses of melody channelling Foo Fighters and Silverchair. This is most evident on the memorable, radio-ready-made Stitches. A few more knockout hooks wouldn't go astray and it is formulaic in spots. There's a palpable energy and honesty though, producer Darren 'Jenk' Jenkins capturing this via a punchy, clear mix affording greater accessibility but not castrating them either.

Considering there are few bands around nowadays trading in this type of straight-ahead fare, heavy rockers will get a kick out of this. Grothe's presence ensures some marketability, but flickers of real promise and a few genuine winners will ensure their tunes won't merely be relegated to televised sporting montages and highlights packages.