As Brighton’s Simon Price famously said, “There are two types of people: those who enjoy thrashy Japanese girl-punk, and those who have something wrong with them.”
Japan’s Shonen Knife are arguably the definition of thrashy Japanese girl-punk, and famously sent Kurt Cobain into spasms of joy when he first heard them. They had a tribute album in 1989 way before such things were commonplace with the cream of the alternative rock scene covering their songs. Unbelievably they’re in their 35th year now, and celebrating their 20th album ‘Adventure’, but their formula hasn’t changed much and they appear in no mood to slow down. Stereogum website recently summed them up as being “masters of the happiest punk you’ll ever hear.”
It’s been 16 years since they last toured the UK so don’t expect to see them again any time soon. What you can expect is more songs about cats, cartoons and the Ramones. Hear the lead single from their new album below.
Support comes from excellent Brighton riot-gurl band Porridge Radio.
The Haunt, Thursday 21st April 2016
