Doesn't do exactly what it says on the tin
The Japanese word Shuriken literally translates as “Hand hidden blade”, referring to the martial (not to be confused with marital – unless you fancy a lengthy spell in prison) art of blade throwing. In more recent times the word has been used to describe the ninja throwing star, the origami weapon of choice for creative school kids thoughout the land. Our lawyers have demanded (typical – you pay them, and yet they make the demands… tsk) that I begin this review with a legal pre-note, making very clear that this CD is not a throwing weapon of any description. Let me re-emphasise that: in a duel to the death this CD is about as useful a projectile weapon as a hot buttered crumpet, so don’t brandish one expecting Shinobi-style carnage – you’ll just look a fool. I hope you’ll forgive this aggressive disclaimer, but in such litigious times of personal injury claims (“I tripped over my own stupidity at work and got £7,000”) and morally challenged lawyers, it just wouldn’t be wise to so flagrantly ignore the trade descriptions act.
The band obviously aren’t similarly worried by the legal repercussions of their kung-fu misnomer, because there isn’t anything about their music that is in the least bit metallic or sharp, let alone something dangerous enough to lodge itself in someone’s face with a mere flick of the wrist. ‘Evacuate/Disintegrate’ is full to brimming with radio-friendly hooks and bounce inducing, sing-along choruses, all woven together with a reasonable understanding of the songwriting craft. This has earned them fair comparisons to Saves the Day (especially relevant to the acoustic version of ‘Arch Nemesis’) but, to their credit, they have a punkish vitality that puts them more in The Movielife territory.
Shuriken first came to the attention of YAWA records when the Lincolnshire quartet had the original, electronic ‘Arch Nemesis’ feature on last year’s ‘Punk Academy Vol.1’ compilation. The label were so impressed by the boys’ “hard working, hard touring ethic” that they agreed to release this EP, which has been produced by one-time folk legend John Mitchell. Oh how far he’s fallen since ‘Blue’ and ‘Ladies of the Canyon’.
There is some enhanced media content to be found in the electronic depths, including a video for ‘The 18th Emergency’ and a ‘Making Of’ video for the other video. The latter is filled with in-joke humour that just isn’t funny to the rest of us, and feels like you’re watching a group of friends’ home video rather than a documentation of a music video. The highlight of the film is guitarist Craig informing us that he’s “just had a wee” – a fact that speaks volumes I’m sure you’ll agree…
Whilst Shuriken may be no good fulfilling their role in a ninja’s arsenal, perhaps they should’ve called themselves Lucozade; because as a source of liquid-audio energy, they do just fine.