Live Review & Photos: Shonen Knife, White Mystery, The Recordettes @ Asbury Lanes 7-20-12

Shonen Knife are proof positive that music is the universal language. It mattered not that songs were sung in Japanese or English. All that mattered was that their infectious poppy punk had the audiences heads bopping, hands clapping, and booties shaking. The wondrously ageless girls may have been short in stature, but they were huge when it came to rock and roll. Having been in existence (in one form or another) for 30 years, this 3-piece machine showed no signs of slowing down. They tore up the newly renovated and updated Asbury Lanes with energetic abandon. Their set was a cavalcade of shoulda-been top 10 hits. The new songs, from their current opus "Pop Tune", definitely showed that the fine ladies from the far east have not lost their step this far into their career. If anyone in that venue wasn't a fan, they definitely left one. Domo arigato, ladies, domo arigato.

Opening for Shonen Knife were White Mystery and The Recordettes. White Mystery were a loud ass two-piece garage rocking combo, that abide by the rule "if you can't beat 'em, make 'em bleed". While the songs didn't get me going so much, their commitment to their approach did. The Recordettes, also sort of garagey, but on the more melodic end of the spectrum, had my boots a tappin'. This three-piece knew how to please with some great originals, peppered with some sweet cover tunes (Bo Diddley, Misfits). I look forward to hearing these gents (and lady) again.

Oh, and I have to say the renovations they have been doing to Asbury Lanes are quite good. A better sound system, higher stage, bigger snack world. It made for an even better experience overall. I tip my hat to thee, Asbury Lanes.

-Jason I

Photos by Lazlo
(click on photo to see full size)

SHONEN KNIFE

MYSTERY WHITE

THE RECORDETTES