It’s been thirty-eight years since Japanese punk/garage rockers Shonen Knife first came together, and today they’re releasing their 19th studio album, Sweet Candy Power via Good Charamel Records.
Recorded in the band’s hometown of Osaka, Sweet Candy Power is an exuberant good time, wrapped in a cute package. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face, tracks like “Dizzy,” “Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich,” and “California Lemon Trees” are simply just a good time. Each of these tracks is complete with the band’s signature bubbly ’70s guitar and catchy lyrics.
But then there is “My Independent Country,” which stands out as the power ballad of the album. Reminiscent of the protest rock songs of the ’60s and ’70s, “My Independent Country” is a strong blend of Naoko’s self-empowering lyrics, with Atsuko’s shredding bass guitar, and Risa’s blood-pumping drums. Standing alone amidst a sea of cuteness, this song is Shonen Knife’s punk anthem for all the cute but strong folks out there. Really, if this song was a person, they would be dressed in black leather while smiling sweetly and eating gummy bears and lollipops.
If the 10-track album Sweet Candy Power is any indication, the ladies of Shonen Knife have no plans to slow down anytime soon. Just ending a European tour, the band is planning a North American tour for the fall. Don’t forget to check them out on Facebook and Twitter.
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