Underskog

“When I finally got to see them live, I was transformed into a hysterical nine-year-old girl at a Beatles concert.”Kurt Cobain

All female Japanese cult trio Shonen Knife hit the road again to tour the UK & Ireland this May, to coincide with a forthcoming new album to be released on Damnably Records. Formed in Osaka almost 33 years ago, the trio rose from humble DIY beginnings to touring with Nirvana on their ‘Nevermind’ tour, trailblazing a path for women in music and inspiring legions of bands. Championed by Nirvana, Sonic Youth and hailed as a favourite by the crème-de-la-crème of Alternative Rock, Shonen Knife remain one of the most influential and beloved of Japanese rock exports.
Following an extensive tour of Europe in 2013, the band are returning for 15 dates across the UK and Ireland this May before heading to Europe, to promote the release of their 20th album, Overdrive, out 14th April on Damnably Records.
Live, they are a tight with machine-precision, punching out fast, highly exciting sets of Punk, Pop, Rock & Metal hits, all coated with their own distinctively quirky and life-affirming charm. As they fast approach their 1,000th gig, Shonen Knife’s joy and invention shows no sign of fading. As Naoko says, “Let’s Rock!”

Press :
Uncut: “rocks like Motorhead designed by Hanna-Barbara”
BBC Music: “The Osaka Ramones, you must concede, still have it.”
The Independent:8/10 “There are two types of people: those who enjoy thrashy Japanese girl-punk, and those who have something wrong with them.”
Music OMH: 8/10 “For an incredible 31 years Shonen Knife have been pumping out prototype riot grrrl, thrashing together early punk sounds with pop melodies.”
The Sunday Times: “.irrepressible slice of bounce-along indie-pop. Beguiling.” Stewart Lee
Artrocker:“Objectively, it could be pointed out that they can only play in a rudimentary fashion, that their songs are ludicrously simple and that they are not doing anything new. Objectivity can fuck right off, because Shonen Knife are brilliant”
The Line Of Best Fit: 7/10 “Robust in its eccentricities and musicianship, Pop Tune makes good on Yamano’s assertion that the current Shonen Knife line-up is its strongest.”
The Skinny: 8/10 “Pop Tune is their most irresistible offering in years”
Louder Than War:“As the world continues to go into economic meltdown we need the distraction of Shonen Knife more than ever – just allow yourself the simple pleasure of singing along.”
Clash: “Ultimately, without using superlatives, Shonen Knife should be set up for life as ambassadors for live music.”
BBC 6Music (Steve Lamacq):“Shonen Knife – they know how to rock – Japanese punk pop at its best.”
Marc Riley BBC 6Music: ‘Perfect Freedom’ Songs of the year for 2011
Gideon Coe BBC 6 Music ‘Pop Tune’ for Recommended ALBUMS 2012

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