BRO Music Review By Greg Genco:
For music enthusiasts in the Buffalo area it is no secret that for the past 19 years The Mohawk Place has showcased an array of high quality local bands ( i.e. girlpope, Pam Swarts, Odiorne) as well as national acts (such as Pere Ubu, Mudhoney, The White Stripes). However, what is less well known is the number of international acts, especially those from Japan, that have been introduced to Buffalo compliments of the Mohawk. For example, Japanese garage bands like Lolita 18, the Neat Beats and The King Brothers have all graced the Mohawk stage. Continuing in this tradition, seminal Japanese punk pop rockers Shonen Knife performed last month (Nov 18) and brought the house down!
Shonen Knife, comprised of Naoko Yamano, Etsuko Nakanishi, and Ritsuko Taneda, hail from Osaka, Japan and have been playing an infectiously upbeat mix of 60’s pop and 70’s punk since Naoko and her sister Atsuko started the band in 1982. Now while many of their punk contemporaries deal with dark subject matter or take a confrontational stance, Shonen Knife walk a much sunnier path as their songs extol the joys of eating sweet food or spending time with cute animals.
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However,this is not to suggest that Shonen Knife is a lightweight or novelty act, these mod mothers, dressed in bright De Stijl outfits, ruled the stage from start to finish. The trio kicked things off with “Super Group” the title track from their latest CD, which is being released in North America, Europe, and Australia through Goo Goo Doll Robbie Takac’s label Good Charamel Records.
The “Knife” showed off its signature sound and preoccupation with food themes on such classic songs as ” Choco bars” (one of my favorites), “Flying Jelly Bean Attack” and the newer “BBQ Party”. Yet, I was quite surprised to listen as founding member Naoko discussed how a love of British metal such as Rainbow, Ronnie James Dio, and Judas Priest had inspired their new song “Muddy Bubbles Hell” an impressive slab of heavy rock which they delivered with a sugar coated sheen.
The ladies then returned to their punk roots blitzing their way through “Explosion” and “Giant Kitty”. This was followed by an encore which featured former and founding member Atsuko Yamano joining the band for “Fruits and Vegetables”. It capped a joyous evening filled with fast guitars, pretty melodies, and high spirits.
If you missed the show and this sounds like something you might like look for a DVD of the show to be released through Good Charamel in the near future!
Mohawk Place
47 East Mohawk Street
Buffalo, NY 14203-1706
(716) 855-3931