SHONEN KNIFE – ‘Overdrive’ (Out 14 April 2014 via Damnably)

On March 9, 2014

In Reviews

All female Japanese legends Shonen knife return with their 20th album, ‘Overdrive’, released in the UK, on Damnably in April. Formed in Osaka some 33 years ago, the trio rose from humble DIY beginnings to the heights of 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 favourites by the crem-de-la-crem of Alternative Rock, it should come as no surprise that WithGuitars are keen fans. Last time we witnessed the band was during the band’s last UK tour, the other year, as part of a packed Cluny audience that bore witness to another great set that also contained their early airings of a couple of the new songs that made it onto ‘Overdrive’.

The album starts out with a mid-1970’s influenced ‘Bad Luck Song’ complete with bigger guitars and upbeat vocals which puts you in mind of many past favourites along with ‘Dance To Rock’ both will feature long into the future as live ‘standards’ no doubt. ‘Ramen Rock’ is to cherish and most welcomed not forgetting, the statement which is ‘Green Tea’, add to the mix the wishful ‘Fortune Cookie’ plus the heavier sounding ‘Robots From Hell’ (which would make a tasty animated video – hint). ‘Shopping’ a certain future realtone and also winning many friends. Although these days the “Osaka-Ramones” sound does not come across as unfamiliar as they themselves have influenced so many, their 20th album, still has much to offer. With a UK and Ireland tour this Spring, Shonen Knife already have a number of power-house sets already in the bank, it will be good to hear even more, the Overdrive Tour should be even more unmissable.

Fair to say I’m a little biased, but there is something simplistic, moreish and totally beguiling still about ‘Overdrive’ and the wonderful Shonen Knife’. 8/10
Steve Janes

Shonen Knife UK & Ireland 2014 Tour

April 30 Manchester – Ruby Lounge http://www.therubylounge.com/

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/257691

May 1 Leeds – Brudenell Social Club http://www.brudenellsocialclub.co.uk/

May 3 Leicester ‘Handmade Festival ‘http://handmadefestival.co.uk/artists/shonen-knife/

May 6 Dublin – Whelans http://www.whelanslive.com/

May 7 Limerick – Dolans https://dolans.ie/

May 8 Cork – Crane Lane http://www.cranelanetheatre.ie/

May 9 Belfast – ‘Cathedral Quarter Festival’http://visit-belfast.com/whats-on/event/the-14th-cathedral-quarter-arts-festival-

May 10 Glasgow – CCA http://www.cca-glasgow.com/programme

May 11 Edinburgh – Electric Circus http://www.theelectriccircus.biz/live-music/events/11-may-14-shonen-knife-overdrive-tour-electric-circus/

May 12 Newcastle – Cluny http://www.thecluny.com/