Shonen Knife

"When I finally got to see them live, I was transformed into a hystericalnine-year-old girl at a Beatles concert." - Kurt CobainShonen Knife - from Osaka, Japan - formed in 1981 by sisters Naoko & Atsuko longbefore terms like 'riot girrrl' and 'girl rock' entered the lexicon, the all-female trio werehappily snapping guitar strings to the sound of imported Ramones covers.Like fellow cult Japanese girl group The 5,6,7,8s, Shonen Knife have weathered decadesof musical change by adhering to what they know best: belting out their own infectiousbrand of feelgood pop-punk.Over the last 40 years they might not have packed out out stadiums but have beencredited as a huge influence on alt rock acts from Sonic Youth to NirvanaDespite years on the road, their enthusiasm for live performances remains a joy to see asthey delve into an extensive back catalogue ranging from solid thrash rock through to hitparade melodies.But key to their success has been a disarming, often slightly surreal, take on their punkand rock influences - and with songs titled Tortoise Brand Pot Cleaner could they ever beaccused of taking themselves too seriously? **MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS