Pop Tune is the 18th studio album from Osaka, Japan’s Shonen Knife, released on 2nd July 2012 via Damnably. The new record features ten original songs produced by Naoko and manager Atsushi, recorded by Ippei Suda (Afrirampo/Balzac) and mastered by Koichi Hara (Afrirampo/ OOIOO/Boredoms). The UK and European release features special ‘orange’ coloured artwork by up and coming illustrator Mami Saito.
Having explored a 70’s heavy metal rock sound in their previous two LP’s Super Group and Free Time – Pop Tune is a return to the bands signature combinations of pin sharp punk-pop, 60’s girl group inspired harmonies, upbeat melodies and irreverence. Pop Tune is a celebration and paean to pop, catchy hooks, key changes, simple, fast, short and altogether jubilant songs. ‘Osaka Rock City’, has been selected as the theme song for the movie adaptation of Robin Shio’s “Soul Train Flower” directed by Hiroshi Nishio released in Japan later this year. This album is also the first recording to feature all members of the band’s current line-up. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Naoko as chief songwriter, delivers her characteristic charmingly unaffected view of the world through her carefree lyrics, and with bassist Ritsuko taking lead vocals on ‘Sunshine’, and drummer Emi taking lead vocals on ‘Psychadelic Life’, this could well be their first full band masterpiece yet!