Shonen Knife @ Summerhall, Edinburgh, 1 May

While Shonen Knife don't take themselves too seriously – which is probably helpful when singing about food, cats and rock'n'roll – they clearly care so much about what they do, which is written in the practically neon grins on each member's face tonight. Returning to Edinburgh's Summerhall after two years away, the much-loved trio from Osaka, Japan are greeted with a packed room and in return, deliver a hefty serving of the kind of high energy pop-punk fans have come to expect from their nearly 40-year-long career.

From the opening fist-raising intro of Pop Tune to the back-to-back stack of food songs – All You Can Eat, Wasabi, Ramen Rock – Shonen Knife are having a blast; headbanging, playing off each other's backs and telling everyone how happy they are to be here as much as time will allow in between doses of rainbow-drenched pop gems. True to the nature of the music that inspired them – particularly their beloved Ramones – it isn't perfect, not every song packs the same punch and once you've heard about four or five, you kind of get the jist.

There are some absolute bangers in there though and actually, one of their more recent songs, Jump Into the New World – from 2016's Adventure – ranks high among them, showing they clearly aren't losing their keen ear for a sharp tune any time soon. However, it's their cover of Nick Lowe's Cruel To Be Kind that really stands out tonight. They just absolutely nail it to the point that you'd think they'd written it. And given its slick 60s-style backing vocals and perfect pop chorus, they might as well have.

While tonight's set moves at an even pace, it never quite reaches the point of true brilliance, but it's a solid and enjoyable night nonetheless.