Informed by 1960’s surf rock, girl-power, The Beach Boys, punk, and D.I.Y. aesthetics, Shonen Knife has managed to cement a genre of music that 35 years in, still sounds like nothing else before or after it. One that, on paper, would seem paradoxical. Throughout their epic span, the triumvirate remained bubbly, but punk; jovial, but tough; carefree, but never forgot to rock. The biggest surprise of all is that these juxtapositions actually work; Shonen Knife proves that punk rock can in fact be happy, and even at times, adorable.
The Japanese rockers continue this unprecedented balance on their 16th album, Adventure. Their first single “Jump Into the New World” provides us with the bouncing, sunny sounds and straightforward lyrics we’ve come to love out of Shonen Knife. The leadoff single promises continued eclectic rock, inspired by Ramones as much as Jan and Dean.
According to Stereogum, The full album is expecting a March release before the group hits Europe for an international tour. Making stops in the U.K. and Ireland, the trek will be the band’s most extensive. Check out the above video for more on Shonen’s latest from the ladies themselves.
Shonen Knife Spring 2016 Tour Dates
04/14: Manchester, UK – Ruby Lounge
04/15: Prestatyn, UK – Pontin’s Holiday Centre (ATP)
04/16: Birmingham, UK – Oobleck
04/17: London, UK – Dingwalls
04/19: Falmouth, UK – Princess Pavilion
04/20: Southampton, UK – Joiners
04/21: Brighton, UK – The Haunt
04/22: Guildford, UK – Boileroom
04/23: Norwich, UK – Arts Centre
04/24: Colchester, UK – Arts Centre
04/26: Leeds, UK – Brudenell
04/27: Newcastle, UK – Gateshead Sage 2
04/28: Edinburgh, UK – Summerhall
04/29: Glasgow, UK – CCA
04/30: Dublin, IE – Whelans
05/02: Cork, IE – Crane Lane
05/04: Wed Liverpool, UK – Arts Club
05/05: Nottingham, UK – Maze
05/06: Leicester, UK – Musician
05/07: Bedford, UK – Esquires
05/08: Bristol, UK Fleece
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