I caught up with the Japanese rock sensation Shonen Knife at Chop Suey in Seattle, Washington. We talked about their new album, explored guitarist Naoko Yamano's love of 70's British metal bands, and attempted to introduce the band to my daughter, Betty. Theoretically, any band that writes songs with lyrics such as "Banana chips for you!/Banana chips for me!/ In the afternoon, banana chips and tea" should have a life span no longer than that of a grasshopper. But something oddly spellbinding occurs when deceivingly silly lyrics are sandwiched between a buoyant guitar and a rapid-fire, pop-punk drum kit. Which perhaps explains why the Japanese female rock duo Shonen Knife is still singing songs about cookies, sushi, jelly beans, and, of course, banana chips, nearly 25 years after its inception. - The Boston Globe
To learn more about Shonen Knife, please visit their web site!
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