As dependable as the engine in a Toyota truck, Shonen Knife once again release an album of solid, well- crafted pop. This year's model doesn't ride as rough as those of years past-- it's quieter, more subdued. Sleek, yes, but still charmingly unsophisticated. On Brand New Knife, the distortion pedal ain't nowhere near the metal. Instead, it's set on cruise and the trio roll along at a steady 90 bpm, thanks to melodies that are just catchy enough to stay with you, jangly guitars, and a full tank of charm.

The punkier days have faded, and '60s girl groups and bubble gum are now the prevailing influences. Indeed. But is it Bubblicious? At points, yes. The opening track "Explosion!" hits and sticks, and "Frogphobia" has chord changes the Monkees would envy. Here and there things get a little bland, where you hear a song and say, "This sounds like it could play over the credits of a really bad '80s teen flick," but then something like the hook- laden "Loop Di Loop" comes along to get your fingers snapping.

Seven (unlisted) bonus tracks are tacked at the end, consisting of Japanese language versions of the first seven songs on the album. To me, these are preferable to their English counterparts. Sure, people love to feel superior and snicker at the awkward phrasing, but it's even more fun to hear the vibrant melodies sung with a more confident tone. And despite the presence of a twelve- page lyric sheet, no one listens to these girls for the insight.

-Mark Richard-San