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 show. All female Japanese cult trio Shonen Knife finish their 29 date European ‘Overdrive’ tour with one final awesome London gig.

SHONEN KNIFE

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. With 'Overdrive' marking the bands 20th album, it's clear their 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”

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

Interview in Noisey



www.shonenknife.net
www.damnably.com

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



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.”



www.damnably.com/former-utopia