If you’re already familiar with Shonen Knife, you’ll know what to expect from ‘Adventure’. If you’re not already familiar with Shonen Knife, where have you been for the last 35 years? The 19th album from Japan’s leading musical export is a rock record. It’s a punk record. It’s a pop record. And it’s got songs about food. Because it’s a Shonen Knife album.
The chunky US rock stylings of ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll T-Shirt’ have a glammy swagger and bounce that’s quintessentially Japanese. The bass-driven throb of ‘Calabash’ is utterly infectious and ‘Dog Fight’ draws on elements of Kinks-like pop. ‘Bow-wow-wow… scary puppy’ they sing, bouncily. The indie jangle of ‘Green Tangerine’ has a bubblegum innocence, and contrasts with the thunderous Motorhead metal of ‘ImI’ with its double pedal bass and ‘Tasmanian Devil’ comes on all Susie Quattro .
In short, it’s got the lot. Above all, though, it’s got energy, and is uniquely and quintessentially Shonen Knife.
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