SPILL LIVE REVIEW: SHONEN KNIFE @ HARD LUCK BAR, TORONTO

SHONEN KNIFE

@ HARD LUCK BAR, TORONTO

SEPTEMBER 25, 2019

Shonen Knife had the crowd engaged from the start with their sweet melodies and high energy performance at The Hard Luck Bar tonight. Their sound is a perfect balance of punk and pop, with their popular Ramones covers and upbeat originals about sugary treats. Their sound has gained them a dedicated underground following over their impressive 38-year career, and they show no signs of slowing down. Throughout the show, sisters Naoko and Atsuko Yamano would headbang in sync at the front of the stage, while drummer Risa Kawano commanded attention with her enthusiastic playing and permanent smile.

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Despite being vets in the game, the members were very humble, taking every chance to engage with the crowd. They talked about the last time they had travelled to Canada and gave anecdotes on many of the songs. The music featured cheerful bops centered on food, candy, and simple enjoyments. They played classic sing-alongs like “Capybara” and also several songs from the 2019 album Sweet Candy Power. New songs such as “Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches” and “Dizzy” were well-received by the head bopping crowd.

All members took the lead on vocals in turn, seamlessly rotating through their massive music repertoire. Closing with their classic cover of The Carpenters’ “Top of the World”, the show left everyone in a positive mood and likely craving something sweet.

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