@ Summerhall, Edinburgh, Thurs 28 April 2016
Summerhall is definitely proving to be Edinburgh’s most prolific and charismatic live music venue. The three band bill this evening is headlined by Japanese three piece Shonen Knife. The band formed in 1981 in Osaka and seem to have either been on tour, or in the studio ever since. With over 20 albums to their name, they have a vast back catalogue to draw from. Latest album Adventure follows the tried and tested formula of short, sharp blistering punk rock and the band are here to play songs from this new release.
The opening act is Leggy. A three piece from Cincinnati, Ohio who make a lot of noise and have an ear for good tune. Their set is short and grabs the audience’s attention as they make way for Glasgow band Teen Canteen. Regular gig goers in the capital will be familiar with the uplifting pop that the band performs. They are regularly on stage in Edinburgh and this evening Teen Canteen sound like a Phil Spector influenced electro-pop band and the music they make is exciting, sweet and catchy.
The venue is packed as Shonen Knife take the stage. The band quickly tune up, take a deep breath and the songs come thick, heavy and fast. Taking The Ramones as a major influence (the band released a tribute record called Osaka Ramones), the trio play song after song and the audience has to keep up with the pace. As well as the punk rock influence the tunes clearly have a heart in 1960’s pop and 1970’s hard rock. New drummer Risa beefs up the sound and all three band members take every opportunity to pull off rock n’ roll moves, which is a delight to watch.
Shonen Knife are a ray of sunshine on what appeared to be a miserable and dark Spring evening. With so many great songs and a formidable stage presence, here’s hoping the band have at least another 20 albums in them. The set lasted just over an hour and left the audience wanting more. Never the less the band managed to cram as many tunes as possible into the vast set list.
The Nothing Ever Happens Here series of gigs at Summerhall continues to attract great acts to Edinburgh. In the months ahead a wide array of bands and musicians will be descending on the city, making sure Edinburgh is not overlooked when it comes to live music.
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