Damnably at 8: SHONEN KNIFE 985

Event information

As part of Damnably's 8th birthday celebrations we have Shonen Knife's 985th gig & end of tour party at Cafe Oto in London, in lieu of missing their 1000th.

All female Japanese cult trio Shonen Knife finish their 29 date European ‘Overdrive’ tour with one final London gig which is their 985th gig.

Formed in Osaka almost 33 years ago, the trio rose from humble DIY beginnings to touring with Nirvana on their ‘Nevermind’ tour, trailblazing a path for women in music and inspiring legions of bands. Championed by Nirvana, Sonic Youth and hailed as a favourite by the crème-de-la-crème of Alternative Rock, Shonen Knife remain one of the most influential and beloved of Japanese rock exports.
Live, they are a tight with machine-precision, punching out fast, highly exciting sets of Punk, Pop, Rock & Metal hits, all coated with their own distinctively quirky and life-affirming charm. As they fast approach their 1,000th gig, Shonen Knife's joy and invention shows no sign of fading. As Naoko says, “Let's Rock!”

"When I finally got to see them live, I was transformed into a hysterical nine-year-old girl at a Beatles concert." Kurt Cobain.

Uncut: “rocks like Motorhead designed by Hanna-Barbara”

BBC Music: (Louis Patterson – ‘Freetime’ ) “The Osaka Ramones, you must concede, still have it.”

BBC Music: (Jude Clarke ‘Pop Tune’ ) 7/10 “While by no means succumbing to the blank-eyed nihilism of their heroes the Ramones, then, this album nevertheless hints at a jaded corner in the psyche of this sunniest of bands. It might even, ultimately, make them all the more appealing.”

The Independent:(Simon Price) 8/10 “There are two types of people: those who enjoy thrashy Japanese girl-punk, and those who have something wrong with them.”

The Sunday Times: “…irrepressible slice of bounce-along indie-pop. Beguiling.” Stewart Lee

"Bad Luck Song" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gifQpJmnlY&feature=youtu.be
'Like A Cat' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4d1Nup38Do&feature=youtu.be
Interview in Noisey: http://noisey.vice.com/blog/shonen-knife-write-sick-songs-about-cats-cookies-and-cakes

Links
Shonen Knife Home site: http://www.shonenknife.net/
Shonen Knife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShonenKnifeOfficial
Shonen Knife Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShonenKnife
Damnably: http://www.damnably.com/

Supports

SMALLGANG
Half-japanese London based trio fronted by two baritone voiced brothers that have been making a name for themselves with volcanic live shows exploding tight poppy post-punk with effortless complexity and crazed solo's. Last year the band toured the UK with Bored Spies (members of-Seam/Bitch Magnet/OWC) and just toured the UK with Shonen Knife and release their 3rd album ‘San’ on Damnably June 2nd.
“Stylish art rockers “ - Time Out
“Great record” - The Line Of Best Fit
https://soundcloud.com/damnably/smallgang-dust-from-san
NEW Video>>'Dust' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qRQ8u8g2wE
http://www.damnably.com/smallgang/

Former Utopia
East London's post punk trio who've toured throughout the UK, Italy and Europe with Shonen Knife & Julie Doiron. Released their self-recorded Collapsar EP in 2013 that saw mostly 8/10 reviews and garnered radio love from Gideon Coe & Tom Ravenscroft on BBC 6 Music.
John Kennedy XFM Radio “FANTASTIC!”
Pocket Jury “The overall highlight is the fantastic ‘Blue Fugue’, which sounds like a collision between Frigid Stars era Codeine and Zuma era Crazy Horse"
Slowthrills “…subtle melodies delivered in an understated baritone vocal coupled with edgy, occasionally heavy guitars. The way the songs creep up on you and develop is reminiscent of that great, often overlooked band Silkworm.”
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/formerutopia/a-love-like-infinity
More info: http://www.damnably.com/former-utopia/