THE band who famously made Kurt Cobain scream like a nine year old girl played the Joiners this week.

J-punk-pop veterans Shonen Knife released their 19th studio album this month, and are on tour around the UK.

Founded by guitarist, vocalist and chief song-writer Naoko Yamono in Osaka 1981, the all-girl trio have been underground favourites since touring with Nirvana on their Nevermind tour.

Their curious on-stage presence blends bubblegum lyrics with veteran guitar riffs - and some slightly robotic dance moves.

But they’re nothing short of fun, with star of the night going to new drummer Risa, who plays with verve and a non-stop smile – clearly thrilled to be there.

New songs like ‘Wasabi’ and ‘Green Tangerine’ give us a taste of the girls’ penchant for singing about food - and as Naoko told us herself backstage she loves nothing more than sharing Japanese culture with the world. ‘Jump Into The New World’ is an upbeat number about Risa moving to the big city and ‘Rock and Roll T Shirt’ is a homage to that staple of the gig-goers’ wardrobe.

With such a carefree and bubbly approach the gig was nothing short of joyous – you can even forgive some off-key vocals when the players are that giggly.

But now in their 35th year we wondered how Naoko keeps up her enthusiasm. She said: “People around me help us a lot so we can continue and I never look back – I just look forward a little bit and it keeps me fresh. We’re more active than ever before.”

The band tours the UK and Eire this year, before heading back to Japan for the summer and on to Australia at the end of 2016.

The new album ‘Adventure’ is out now.

Rachel Adams