Japanese Culture in New York - Chopsticks NY

Super Group is an appropriate name for Shonen Knife’s 14th album, available in the U.S. from Good Charamel Records. Though the legendary band has been performing their mix of heavy punk, cute melodies and whimsical lyrics since 1981, they’re still among the most vital and passionate bands in Japanese rock. The trio clearly enjoys making music, and their enthusiasm is infectious on Super Group. ‘We just like to rock,” singer-guitarist and Shonen Knife founder Naoko Yamano explains.

Super Group has a variety of songs including metal, pop and country influences. The lyrics are all in English because Yamano considers English “the language of rock music.” Drummer Etsuko Nakanishi provides powerful rhythms to back Yamano’s melodic singing and guitar work. New bassist Ritsuko Taneda brings a fresh voice with energetic bass lines and vocals, making this album sound unique in Shonen Knife’s discography. “I’m very happy because she can sing,” Yamano says. “She can help make a good show.” But the band still sticks to the brand of lighthearted punk that’s worked for them over the years. “BBQ Party” revisits a favorite theme—food—with Yamano inviting the listeners to a barbecue and reassuring them, “Don’t worry about your diet.” By the end of the song, the music becomes more frantic and Yamano screams repeatedly, “Pig out!”

Other highlights include the spacey atmosphere of “Time Warp” and the laid-back, country vibe of “Deer Biscuits.” The American version of Super Group includes a bonus track, “Evil Birds,” a dark-sounding tune about noisy birds on a balcony. A cover of Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Jet” rounds out the album.

Super Group came out on August 25 and is a good introduction for new Shonen Knife fans. It can be purchased from iTunes, Good Charamel Records’ Web site and more places. For more information, visit www.goodcharamel.com.

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Victoria Goldenberg is a freelance journalist. Her work has appeared in purple SKY, Matters Magazine, The Daily Targum and more.