There are certain shambolic punk rock moments, usually involving beer or hard spirits, when an otherwise imbecilic song becomes an anthem. In a drunken haze, the driving force of the Buzzcocks' "Orgasm Addict," G.G. Allin's "Expose Yourself to Kids" or anything by the Ramones rises to the level of "The Internationale."

The Meanies' "10% Weird," has just that sort of effect, causing the listener to jump around the room, desperately yelping the chorus with a gusto usually applied to political sloganeering or sex.

The Meanies have established themselves as Australia's prime purveyors of such three-minute wonders. Their three-chord blasts of punk rock have become instant classics Down Under and netted them a rabid cult following in the U.S., Europe and Japan.

The Ramones comparison is no coincidence. Like Dee Dee, Joey and the gang, the Meanies claim to be a family affair. Link (vocals and guitar), Wally (bass), Ringo (drums) and Tas (guitar) are allegedly long-lost brothers come together to wreak musical havoc. Musically the group owes something to the boys from Queens too, though their speedy guitar onslaught is cut with a bit of California punk's silliness and aggression. If the two bands are related, it's at a distance.

"Early on, we had a bit of a Ramones flavor, but we lost that pretty quickly, we think," said Ringo in a recent e-mail interview. "If they are cousins, they would be second cousins twice removed."

Originally from Melbourne, the Meanies soon had the rest of Australia in their pocket. "We started making noise in 1989," Ringo recalled. "We released some singles, played a heap of shows, had a good time, released some albums, drank beer, played with Nirvana and Pearl Jam, ate cheesecake and went overseas a few times."

Their international wanderings have included a couple of stops in Japan, where the Meanies have benefited from Japan's seemingly insatiable appetite for pure punk rock.

"Japan rocked," said Ringo. "Great bands. Friendly people and talented bands. We're looking forward to soaking it up again."

In particular, the band has become tight with the 5,6,7,8's, Tokyo's rock 'n' roll answer to Betty Page.

"When they were playing in Melbourne and Sydney, we did a few shows together and had a hoot of a time," said Ringo. The girls are primarily responsible for the Meanies' return to the stage, having invited the band to play with them on their Australian tour late last September. After nearly a decade of constant touring, the group had not performed in nearly two years.

The Meanies will bring their rambunctious act to Japan yet again in early September to support the domestic release of "10% Weird" on Nagoya's Pet Rock label. But be forewarned: In Australian English, according to Ringo, "a meanie is a person who steals your records, returns your car without gas or puts ciggies in your beer."

Which is to say, see the Meanies, but don't lend them your ride.

The Meanies, Sept. 3 in Tokyo at Club 251 with the 5,6,7,8's, 54 Nude Honeys and Toast Girl; Sept. 9 in Nagoya at the Bottom Line with Antonio 3, Stone Edge and Deviasonik; Sept. 10 in Kobe at the Art House with the Fuzztones; Sept. 12 in Osaka at Fandango with Mach Kung-Fu, the Neat Beats and The Young Pennsylvanians.

Tokion is an imaginary word meaning the sound of fun. The magazine of the same name celebrates its third anniversary by providing just that Aug. 28 with an afternoon live event in Shimokitazawa titled "4U." As editor Lucas B.B. explains, "This event is all in its name. It's for you!"

The show's sponsors have been particularly sensitive to their young readers' pocketbooks. For a few thousand yen, 4U patrons will have the opportunity to enjoy over 20 different musical acts ranging from hip-hop legend Takagi Kan to garage-rock kings Jackie and Enocky of Jackie and the Cedrics, spread over three different venues.

Instead of the usual division of groups and performers by genre (hip hop here, garage rock here), 4U's line-up reflects the sexy mix found on Tokion's pages. Hip-hop DJ Geetec will be followed by Candy Eyeslugger's all-girl doo-wop group.

Turntabilist L?K?O's scratching and breakbeats will join forces with the otherworldly moans of didgeridoo player Goro for an improvised set. Firestarter, the latest incarnation of punk guitar heroes Teengenerate, follows on the heels of loungy electone player Tucker.

Tokion's 4U, Aug. 28 from 3-9:30 p.m. at the Basement Bar, Shelter and Garage in Shimokitazawa. Advance tickets are available from Pia for 3,500 yen. Tickets will also be available at venue doors on the day of the show for 3,900 yen. Casio is also selling a limited edition Tokion watch for 5,500 yen that includes entrance to the 4U event.

The Boredoms breed spin-off bands like rabbits. Two of the best are drummer Yoshimi's all-girl group OOIOO and guitarist Seiichi Yamamoto's Rovo. Both play a psychedelic tip, OOIOO spinning multilayered vocal and instrumental hooks that sound like the Beach Boys sent to the fifth dimension. Rovo adds a bit of dub, drum and bass and a decided penchant for the meandering improvisations of German progressive rock. At some moments great, they are both, without a doubt, musically challenging.

OOIOO, Rovo and DJ Force play Aug. 22 at the Liquid Room. Tickets 3,000 yen. For more information, call the Liquid Room at (03) 3200-6831.

Correction: the Number Girl concert date for Tokyo listed in the last column was incorrect. The correct date is Oct. 1 at Club Quattro in Shibuya.