Live Review: Shonen Knife

Christian Dior's breathtaking, iconic creations displayed in The House Of Dior exhibition perfectly complement the pioneering Japanese pop punk and alternative rock of Shonen Knife - both demonstrate how putting a contemporary spin on historical influences can result in timeless art.

Bouncing on stage in matching Piet Mondrian-inspired shift dresses, proudly tailored by the bass player herself, sisters Naoko Yamano (guitar, lead vocals) and Atsuko Yamano (bass guitar, backup vocals) are joined by new drummer Risa Kawano and all are greeted by deafening cheers from those assembled in the packed Great Hall. They sport black wristbands and open with a silent sign of the horns as a reverential nod to one of the biggest heroes, Black Sabbath, before launching straight into Pop Tune. It is a deliriously paced number with zingy guitar riffs and apt lyrics ("Since you're already here"). In quick succession, Jump Into The New World and a string of similarly scintillating tracks from their catalogue of 22 albums - including their latest, Adventure (2016) - follow.

With sparse, repetitive lyrics in both English and Japanese, the trio are well aware that the words, which often border on irreverent, are secondary to their music. Spoken words and harmonies are just a vehicle to bop along to. Unfortunately, the trio's vocals are sometimes lacking in projection, their words indecipherable to those beyond the first few rows.

They just had a great dinner at the NGV, Naoko says, but they are still hungry and want to share a favourite national obsession with us - "delicious food!" Thus ensues the cheeky Sushi Bar and devilish BBQ Party, which is backed with clear echoes of California Sound. We can't help bouncing along to the amped-up tempo as the sisters belt out the chorus: "Pig out, pig out, pig out!" With the band's upbeat, rhythm-heavy tracks demanding much of her prowess, Kawano would give Bill Ward a run for his money.

To those familiar with the band's history and evolution since the early 1980s, Shonen Knife are known to be anything but an average, kitschy band that sports all the stereotypical hallmarks of 'cute' Japanese culture. Nirvana invited them out on tour as their opening act, Sonic Youth are reportedly avid fans and Dave Grohl even helped set up their drum kit. With their kinetic, alternative take on the seminal periods of Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, '70s punk-rock icons Ramones and Buzzcocks - with a hint of The Supremes, The Beach Boys and Carpenters thrown in for good measure - the band demonstrate more substance and knowledge than empty nostalgia.

Fusing the raw grit of grunge, underground, garage and punk together with a cheerful, refined style is a brief not for the faint-hearted. But Shonen Knife prove that they can skillfully craft all these ingredients into a sharp set while leaving the crowds baying for more.