Melt-Banana

Melt-Bananais a Japanesenoise rockband that is known for playing extremely fastnoise rockandhardcore punkmixed withexperimental,electronicaandpop-based song structures. Since forming in 1992 the band has released ten albums and toured worldwide extensively.
In 1991, while attendingTokyo University of Foreign Studies,Yasuko Onukistarted a band called Mizu and, after a short period rehearsing with another guitarist, recruitedIchiro Agatato play guitar in the band.Mizu's original drummer and bass player quit six months after Agata joined, leaving Yasuko to handle the bass and vocal duties until she found bassist Rika.They briefly performed shows around Tokyo without a drummer. Sudoh Toshiaki then joined as the new drummer in November 1992, and they changed their name to Melt-Banana.
In May 1993, Melt-Banana played a show opening forKK NullofZeni Gevafame, who was impressed enough to immediately offer them a deal with his label, and would later introduce them to Mark Fischer ofSkin Graft RecordsandSteve Albini.
In 1996,Sick Zip Everywherewas nominated forMTV UK's best video.In the same year the band completed their first European tour.
In 1997, they created their own recording company,A-Zap(formerly Iguana Coax), and re-issued most of their early albums. Around this time, drummer Sudoh Toshiaki quit.Oshima Watchma became the new official drummer in February 1998.
The band recorded its firstPeel Sessionin September 1999. Onuki thought John Peel looked likeSanta Claus; Agata has said that when finishing a new song, he still thinks of Peel and what he would think of it if he listened.Peel described the session as "Simply one of the most extraordinary performances I have ever seen and ever heard ... just mesmerizing, absolutely astonishing."The broadcast exposed the band to new audiences in the United Kingdom and beyond.
Watchma left the band in 2000, and since then the band has had different drummers on their tours and albums.
In 2007, Melt-Banana recorded the song "Hair-Cat (Cause the Wolf Is a Cat!)" forPerfect Hair ForeveronCartoon Network'sAdult Swimlineup.
The studio albumFetch, released September 2013, saw the band transition to a duo.The decision not to use a live drummer led on to the decision not to have a live bass player. Using a computer for the rhythm allowed more freedom in the arrangement. Hamamoto's help was not needed for the new duo format. Additionally, throughout the band's career Agata and Onuki had been the main songwriters.
In late 2019, during an interview conducted on tour, withLoudermagazine, the band stated they would record a new album.A new studio album titled "3+5" was announced on May 23, 2024 and released on August 23, 2024.
Melt-Banana's music is typically described as noise rock,with roots inpunk,grindcore,electro-popandelectronic music.The band has shied away from any classification, saying they "don't write music according to genre", and has described their music as "like a chimera".Melt-Banana has citedThe Sex Pistols,Einstürzende Neubauten,Masonna,Violent Onsen Geisha,Aphex TwinandAtari Teenage Riotas influences, as well as the compilation albumNo New York.Agata also gets inspiration from the feelings of excitement, triumph and peril he experiences when playing video games, and interpreting that musically.He believes that influences from outside music, including video games, help them see from fresh angles and keep them from writing "the same kind of music again and again".Games he has cited as an inspiration includeTony Hawk's Pro Skater 3,Ecco the Dolphin,Demon's SoulsandShadow of the Colossus.
Onuki's distinctive vocal style has been described as "loud, piercing and unexpectedly authoritative".Asked about her influences, Onuki explained: "there is no tradition and no influence besides maybeLydia Lunchand the Teenage Jerks. She opened a new book for me. It was so unique and distinctive, you could tell by listening to the voice who is singing – that what I wanted to achieve with my own voice too."
Although the band is Japanese, their lyrics are written in English. Onuki originally sung in Japanese, but quickly changed to English, believing that it was better suited to her style of singing. Because English is not her native language, Onuki often has to look words up in dictionaries, which also allows her to find words that sound interesting to her.In writing a song, Onuki typically starts with particular words and then works backwards, the content of which comes from what she "see[s] and feel[s] in [her] usual life".
Agata is noted for his distinct style of guitar playing that involves heavy use of effects and pedals.
The band is known for playing an "eclectic" selection of cover songs, both live and on studio recordings. Melt-Banana was inspired to do so after touring with Mr. Bungle and seeing them perform several cover songs, and thinking it would be fun for both the audience and the band themselves. Songs that Melt-Banana has covered include "Surfin' U.S.A." (The Beach Boys), "Neat Neat Neat" (The Damned) and "Paint It Black" (The Rolling Stones).In choosing the songs, Melt-Banana simply "play songs that [they] like."
From 2013 onward the band does not have abassplayer.
Melt-Banana does not currently have an official drummer. From 2013 onward the band does not have a drummer when playing live.There have been two drummers who were official members; Sudoh Toshiaki and Oshima Watchma. A number of guest drummers have been used for studio recordings and live performances.
The band have carried out lengthy US and UK tours yearly and smaller Japanese tours (the reason for this, according to them, is that travelling in Japan is quite expensive).Melt-Banana have worked with a diverse range of artists, includingMerzbow,John Zorn,Agathe Max,Mike Patton, andDiscordance Axis.Melt-Banana has toured as an opening act with high-profile bands such as:
Studio albums