SHONEN KNIFE /

The Novocaines

Amplifier Bar

Sunday, September 28, 2009

It’s hard to pinpoint what it is with Japanese bands that makes them so immaculate when it comes to live shows - probably a combination of dedication, determination and stamina - and the latter is what Shonen Knife didn’t lack on Sunday night. After the soundcheck, the band seemed a bit under the weather, which is reasonable to expect of a combo that does four Australian dates in as many days, especially knowing they played in Brisbane the night before. However, once they took the stage it was a totally different story. The ladies were all smiles, and delivering every song from their set with loads of energy, enthusiasm and precision.

Since Brisbane’s I Heart Hiroshima had pulled out due to injury, it was left to locals The Novocaines to open the show. They did it in a very loud way, mixing ’60s garage and hard rock influences, and recalling the sounds of the Aussie bands from the ’80s… Lime Spiders coming to mind first.

Almost 30 years after their humble beginnings as a geeky pop-punk female combo in Osaka, Shonen Knife are conquering the world one more time. A change in lineup a couple of years ago (singer / guitarist Naoko is now the only original member left) brought some fresh blood, and the band is tighter than ever. Since this was their first headlining show in Perth ever, it was expected from them to play a mix of old favourites and songs off their latest album, Super Group.

They opened with Konnichiwa and closed with Giant Kitty, and in 60 minutes didn’t drop their guard for a second. Maybe Shonen Knife sound a bit clumsy on their recordings, but live they offer nothing but sheer perfection. Although every stage move and every guitar lead break might have been carefully planned, it’s the execution of it - in the purest, most genuine way - that makes this band’s show so exciting. The audience clearly enjoyed themselves, and cheered loudly after each song, but somehow seemed a bit static, perhaps too exhausted from the Grand Final long weekend partying. There were a few moments of uncomfortable silence between songs when one could hear a needle drop, but luckily Naoko quickly filled it with funny banter and song introductions – an obvious sign of an experienced musician.

Highlights of the show were their cover of Top Of The World played back-to-back with a Ramones tribute song, followed by a neck-breaking version of Riding On A Rocket. The encore saw them doing Banana Chips, and when they realised the audience wouldn’t let them finish, they did a rowdy take on Cobra Versus Mongoose – after which we said goodbye to them with a wave of devil’s horns. Today or love, tomorrow the world.

_PREDRAG DELIBASIC