Shonen Knife – “Jump Into The New World” (Stereogum Premiere)

Shonen Knife – “Jump Into The New World” (Stereogum Premiere)

Shonen Knife have been around so long that when they gained widespread popularity as an opener for Nirvana in 1993, they had already been a band for more than a decade. Embarking on their 35th year together by announcing their 16th studio album, the Japanese trio continues to deliver their pleasantly juxtaposing signature sound. The first single off their upcoming album Adventure, “Jump Into The New World,” carves out its place amongst their extensive catalog, continuing their mastery of the happiest punk you’ll ever hear.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of Shonen Knife’s discography is the varying themes and styles that undulate throughout each of their songs. Because even though you may hear hints of doo-wop, surf rock, classic rock, or punk peppered throughout any number of tracks, each of the band’s influences are always encapsulated within a sound that you won’t hear anywhere else. With lead singer Naoko Yamano’s innately adorable vocals bouncing through lyrics that are bright, honest and playful, the band’s heavy yet catchy instrumentation allows Shonen Knife to remain one of the only bands around that is able to fully encompass both the cuteness and keen-ness after which they were named. Listen below.

The band has also shared this in-the-studio video:

Shonen Knife have an extensive tour of the UK and Ireland coming up:

04/14 Manchester, UK @ Ruby Lounge
04/15 Prestatyn, UK @ Pontin’s Holiday Centre (ATP)
04/16 Birmingham, UK @ Oobleck
04/17 London, UK @ Dingwalls
04/19 Falmouth, UK @ Princess Pavilion
04/20 Southampton, UK @ Joiners
04/21 Brighton, UK @ The Haunt
04/22 Guildford, UK @ Boileroom
04/23 Norwich, UK @ Arts Centre
04/24 Colchester, UK @ Arts Centre
04/26 Leeds, UK @ Brudenell
04/27 Newcastle, UK @ Gateshead Sage 2
04/28 Edinburgh, UK @ Summerhall
04/29 Glasgow, UK @ CCA
04/30 Dublin, IE @ Whelans
05/02 Cork, IE @ Crane Lane
05/04 Wed Liverpool, UK @ Arts Club
05/05 Nottingham, UK @ Maze
05/06 Leicester, UK @ Musician
05/07 Bedford, UK @ Esquires
05/08 Bristol, UK Fleece

Adventure is out 3/23 in Japan via P-Vine, 4/1 in the UK via Damnably, and 4/1 in the US via Good Charamel.

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