I haven’t smiled so much at a gig in awhile. I could hardly get the ridiculous grin off my face. Underground riot grrrls in matching candy coloured costumes Shonen Knife returned to Melbourne from Osaka after 12 long years and transformed the entire room into head-bopping and hip-swaying children – what they do is simple, infectiously joyous and so danceable, but rooted deep in the garage and punk aesthetic. The eclectic combination makes you first shake your head in wonderment, and then quickly bow down to the power of the Japanese girl group. There is no other way. They are true goddesses of punk rock.

I Heart Hiroshima have been a favourite of mine ever since they released their fantastic EPs – A Three Letter Word for Candy, Cut in Colour and Punks, three very important morsels of young Australian music. While their debut album, Tuff Teef, was disappointing due to the production (and the band’s short, fast, loud music seems much more suited to the EP format) I Heart Hiroshima are unbelievable live. You can’t look away; Susie Patten, Matthew Somers and Cameron Hawes demand attention and command their instruments.

Old tracks like Code Blue, Punks and Neutron Pop Song come tearing out of the starting gate, jarring chords evoking the sound of Gang of Four’s Entertainment!. But their new stuff is equally as impressive tonight, boasting a warmer and fuller sound, a more melodic take on their signature bass-less jerky post-punk canon. Drummer Patten is fantastic to watch – her energy is directly wired into the drum kit, the rhythm both holding the guitars together and keeping the music teetering on the edge, threatening to explode at any moment. Shakeytown, lead single from their new album The Rip, is the most exciting track, mature and melancholy.

Shonen Knife take to the stage with emblazoned towels held high and commence some adorable rock posturing – they strum their guitars and hold their hands up for applause, do some synchronised head banging, and then launch into Konnichiwa. Lead singer and guitarist and sole original member Naoko Yamano and gorgeous long haired bassist Ritsuko Taneda bop up and down to the beat in a very 60s fashion, almost like Beatles.

Their punk sound, love of The Ramones and wall of noise, upon first glance, seem to be the complete antithesis to their Hello Kitty/Sailor Moon aesthetic and cheeky smiles, but once in their live presence, the key to Shonen Knife becomes clear. All of the disparate elements and influences come together in three women who just want to have fun, in the true Cyndi Lauper sense of the phrase. Their energy is infectious, and their new album title Super Group reveals that their tongues are firmly in their cheeks. Tracks Twist Barbie and BBQ Party (pig out!) enforce this even further – Shonen Knife are so fabulous because of their eccentric lyrics and couldn’t-care-less attitude toward the punk doctrine, which dictates that rockers must take themselves seriously. These women are like a tall glass of pink lemonade because they don’t.

However, their musicianship is truly impressive. Drummer Etsuko Nakanishi looks deceptively innocent. She is absolutely indefatigable, like an anime heroine who could drum forever. After Johnny Johnny Johnny, E.S.P. and their famous cover of The Carpenters’ Top of the World, the girls talk about their favourite types of sushi (they are – eel, salmon and California Roll) Naoko reveals her penchant for Dio and Judas Priest, and this heavy metal theatricality makes itself known during Pyramid Power. Like Powerpuff girls joining their powers, Naoko, Ritsuko and Etsuko, reaching tall over her drum kit with one stick upheld, make a hilariously sombre pyramid with their arms. Ending with a huge finish, with lots of rock hands in the air and a twee jump from the drum platform, we are treated to two encores, including the old favourite Banana Fish with its fantastic sing-along chorus.

It is a sweet-as-candy finish; Shonen Knife sure know how to strip music back to its bare bones. They prove that all you need is a lyric and a riff (and some serious attitude) to make a song. A tip for aspiring pop stars – keep it simple and have fun, girlfriend.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE GIG HERE