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"Show me, show me, show me how you do that trick." Those ever-effervescent opening lyrics amidst a kaleidoscope-drenching synthesizer swirl topped by playful ivories duly cemented The Cure' s legacy in the rapidly emerging alternative music underworld back in 1987. Unknowingly to most at this time on the opposite side of the world, Japan' s Naoko Yamano (vocals, guitar), Atsuko Yamano (bass, vocals) coalesced to form Shonen Knife, helping give birth to the burgeoning grrrrrl power movement that continues to this day. Fast forward to 2005, Knife' s clean, compact tripartite dispensations of sugar sonic treats retain their luster as confirmed by a sold out Astro Hall for their Space X-mas special alongside Beat Crusaders, one of Japan' s latest scene stealers and promising talents, kick starting the holidays into high gear. As usual, The Crusaders storm onstage with their self-penned masks worn to a rapturous reception that never subsides. With "Whoa-whoa-whoa!" echoing throughout, they instantly send a sugar rush through our veins to our heads as their individually and collectively assembled creative injections have all inside joyously jumping and singing aloud as they deliver multiple stocking stuffers including Johnny Nash' s "I Can See Clearly Now" and their own playful rambunctious "Isolations." A communal celebration a la 7 Seconds-style is in progress as these 5-piece merrymakers' led by Toru Hidaka (vocals, guitar) serve out repeat helpings of infectiously unforced catchy confections. Peppered with playful banter between, this Christmas party afar only lacks the countless servings of brandy-infused eggnog as the smiles inside are ocean-size as all inhibitions are happily absent. "Jingle Bells" and "Here Comes Santa Claus and other classics provide a fitting segue after an exclamatory level 11 Crusaders performance. Surprisingly, an at first stiff and a low blood-sugared Knife launch into a steady, but less than zippy "Konnichiwa." Wearing matching mid to late 60' s Girl From Ipanema style one-piece skirts, Naoko, Atsuko and Etsuko Nakanishi (drums, backing vocals) nevertheless quickly recover, resetting the clock to loosen up and open their beloved candy store of undeniable sweet guitar girl pop. Like Wonka' s factory, they beautifully churn together both new and old ingredients to keep it all expectedly delicious. Naoko and Atsuko make their signature synchronized moves, guitar necks and bodies at equal angles as Etsuko coolly keeps time, bopping along gingerly behind her kit, particularly in "Twist Barbie." No "On Top Of The World" tonight, but new treats from their Genki Shock! release please. Keeping it fun and light, all three don Santa hats for the first of three encores, "Space Christmas." For the second, Crusader' s Hidaka joins in for a raw rendition of Neil Diamond' s Monkee-famed "Daydream Believer." Followed by a flower bouquet delivery to birthday girl Naoko and a subsequent communal happy birthday sing-along, Knife find a Crusaders level 11 in their full-flavored "Cobra Versus Mongoose." Well, they do say it' s not how you start. It' s how you finish. |
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report by michael |
 mag files : Shonen Knife Cross-Generational Yuletide Confections For Birthday Cheer : review by michael (05/12/18 @ Harajuku Astro Hall)And to all A Good Night : review by shawn, photo by yegg (04/12/19 @ Daikanyama Unit)photo report : photo by yegg (04/12/17 @ Osaka Jyusan Fandango)photo report : photo by izumikuma (04/07/11 @ Shibuya Club Quattro)illustration : illustration by chika (04/07/09 @ Nagoya Club Quattro)唯一無二 : report by kami, photo by yegg (04/02/22 @ Juso Fandango)ロッケンロール裏番長！！ : report by kami, photo by yegg (04/02/22 @ Juso Fandango)photo report : photo by yegg (04/02/22 @ Juso Fandango)Getting Knifed in Tokyo : review by shawn, photo by ryota (03/07/12 @ Shibya Quattro)photo report : photo by ryota (03/07/12 @ Shibya Quattro)photo report : photo by q_ta (03/07/06 @ Sapporo Bessie Hall)楽器を弾く女と単車に乗る女はかっこいい : review by aya, photo by mari (01/12/11 @ Shibuya Club Quattro)photo report : photo by mari (01/12/11 @ Shibuya Club Quattro)photo report : photo by ikesan (01/07/12 @ Shibuya Club Quattro) |
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: Rachael Yamagata (31st Jan. @ Shibuya Club Quattro) |