This week NGV Friday Nights will host the captivating and eccentric pop-punk trio from Japan, Shonen Knife. Be prepared, the trio have gathered a huge list of impressive achievements since their beginning in 1981. Just like many other alternative rock bands, these ladies see Sonic Youth, Nirvana, The Beach Boys and Ramones as their inspiration, however, despite their avant-garde instrumentation, their sounds are still very much pop-oriented, sounding familiar yet unfamiliar at the same time, if that’s even possible. Not many Japanese bands have been able to globally mark their name in the music scene. Moreover, after playing gig after gig, Shonen Knife are getting bigger and bigger each time, with various American independent record labels releasing their cassettes and even receiving spins on the BBC. Last but not least, they’ve supported some of their idols Sonic Youth in Osaka and Nirvana for their UK tour. You should definitely check their amazing work out, perhaps their biggest hit Top Of The World. The show goes down this Friday September 22. Head to ngv.vic.gov.au for more information.
This Saturday September 23 we’ve got Angus and Julia Stone playing at Palais Theatre, with Ruel as support. Australia’s most loved siblings have just dropped their highly anticipated LP Snow. Of its singles, Snow showcases very gentle instrumentation on the organs that go hand in hand with thin-layered guitar sounds. The most prominent element off this track though, is Angus and Julia’s harmonies, incredibly sweet and well-balanced. Chateau sounds slightly different from the Angus and Julia Stone we are familiar with, it is definitely more juvenile, with its upbeat and dreamy pop sounds alongside coming of age lyrical content. It’s simple, catchy and romantic. Also, keep an eye on the amazingly talented Ruel, at only 14 he sings his heart out like there’s no tomorrow. The year eight student from Sydney was discovered by Grammy-award winning producer M-Phazes. Check out his debut single Golden Years. This kid really is special and definitely deserves your attention.
Into something a little heavier? Well we’ve got an exciting gig for you. The same day as Angus and Julia Stone, Motionless in White will tear through Arrow on Swanston with Crown the Empire. MIW is an American gothic-metal band who’s been around since 2005. While Crown the Empire are slightly like the younger version of MIW, the post-hardcore band from Dallas have been around since 2010. Head to MIW facebook page for more information.
