Nine times out of ten a band with a gimmick, like, let’s say being REALLY into ninjas and kung fu, use that gimmick to distract the listener from the fact that they are a mediocre, untalented group. Fortunately, once you fight off the ninja aspect of the instrumental rock duo Ninja Academy, you find a solid drum/bass combo with chops for days.

Not only does Ninja Academy sprinkle martial arts sound effects throughout its recent full-length, bra’ka dOm, but the duo also, predictably, dress up in ninja garb when they play live. I guess if the Locust can make a living dressing up like bugs on stage, Ninja Academy can’t be faulted for living its gimmick to the fullest. From a musical standpoint, the band plays balls out, bass fueled noise rock, comparable to a less experimental Lightning Bolt or Big Business, minus the vocals.  The duo play their instruments well together, and have a talent for song structuring, which is often times lacking in this style of instrumental music.

From the opening bars of “Kung Fu Grip,” it is immediately evident tell that Ninja Academy has spent many moons studying its discipline. The frantic bass noodling and technical, yet not overpowering, drums are tight as can be, combining devastating riffs with some humorous kung fu battle samples. “Your Kung Fu Sucks” shows the dynamic range that many drum/bass combos lack. They seamlessly travel from heavy, distorted bass licks to some quieter, melodic passages, creating an interesting, well crafted tune. This same kind of dynamic interplay is done well in the track “Insects,” where the bass sneaks up on you from the shadows, then, all of the sudden, is on top of you, sword in hand.

There’s something very refreshing about a technically accomplished instrumental rock act that doesn’t take its craft too seriously. While Ninja Academy’s music alone can stand alongside other solid bass and drum acts, an extra element of fun is added to the mix. “Bra’ka dOm”  is a strong release from start to finish, taking an amusing gimmick and backing it up with some proficient musicianship. When the academy comes to town, I’ll be first in line to enroll.

-Nick Brandt