Melt-Banana has released 9 full-length albums, (Including a re-release of a very early improvised and studio tracks, and a compilation of EPs) and 23 EPs (a number of which are splits with other bands). In 1997 they created their own recording company, A-Zap, and re-issued all of their previously released albums, except Scratch or Stitch, which can be found on the noise rock record label Skin Graft Records. One month later Sudoh quit, and the band has had different drummers helping for tours and recordings since. They do massive U.S. tours yearly, do frequent European tours, and do smaller Japanese tours (traveling in Japan is quite expensive).
Melt-Banana's music falls under what many call "noise rock" or "noisecore." Both terms refer to music that blends rock, noise music, and other genres. Agata overlaps two different guitar riffs most of the time, and also belts out a seemingly spontaneously chosen selection of sound effects (or selected randomly by a computer program or even selecting snippets of tape from a black bag, but this is unlikely), almost all made through his guitar and large amount of effects pedals. Yasuko O. belts out high-pitched screams and raps, and her delivery has been described as a rabid poodle on speed. Rika MM's bass lines aren't subdued like in most bands, but are given as much overt influence as Agata's guitar work. The sounds from the bass provide a distinct dimension to the music not found in many other bands. The drums are usually quite straightforward (however, in their recent albums, they have become more complex), especially on the faster songs, where they beat almost straight through with set cymbal crashes, providing an insane amount of energy to the songs. The band describes their recent music (especially Teeny Shiny and Cell-Scape) as pop. Essentially, it could be argued that Melt Banana's output, (with special attention brought to their more recent songs) are more reminiscent of quirkier indie pop bands, with definite melodies hiding beneath the distortion, effects and sheer speed.
Live performances are where Melt Banana wins many of their devotees. While many critics perceive Melt Banana's recordings to be inaccessible, their sound translates much better live. Yasuko starts every show by yelling "We are Melt Banana from Tokyo, Japan!" Her rapid-fire delivery and Agata's frenetic guitar riffs infuse crowds with energy. Attendees often mosh or otherwise move in a frenzy during performances. Many diehard fans leave shows dripping of sweat. Yasuko O. often wears colorful and/or metallic costumes, while Rika MM' often wears just black. Both wear very high platform boots, on which Rika MM' often bounces, a la Krist Novoselic. Agata usually wears a surgical mask affixed to his face, sometimes with duct tape.
Current members:
Yasuko Onuki - vocal, writing;
Ichirou Agata - guitar, effects;
Rika Hamamoto - bass guitar.
After Sudoh left the band, many drummers have been in a steady rotation, including Dave Witte of Discordance Axis, Municipal Waste and Burnt by the Sun.
Former members:
Toshiaki Sudoh - drums;
Oshima Watchma - drums (currently Coaltar of the Deepers).
Discography:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melt-Banana_discography
A Dreamer Who is Too Weak to Face Up to
Melt-Banana Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He can see whatever he wants
He can do whatever he needs
Whatever he hates
Whatever he dreams
Actually he's been in a dream
He can hide in the halo
He can fly in to the jello
"I can do what I want!
I can die when I wish!"
He can fit in to the pocket
He can set a bomb in a coffin
He can live down in the sea
"I can fly when I want!
I can die when I wish to
Get my foot prints back to see the place
Where I'm standing still
Where I hate, its so sad dying world
So I'm fine in here!!"
He can jump in to the pillow
He can break in to the PD
He can gulp the do
"I can play when I want!
I can die when I wish!"
So he cries to the white moon
To the inside to see the cell-scape...
Now he's floating in blood
He can set a bug on line
He can make a pig fly
He can shoot the spy dog
"I can lie when I feel!
I can cry when I feel!"
Dream in vain - he's hiding in the halo
Dream in vain - he's hiding in the terror
Dream in vain - he's hiding in the shelter
"I can die when I wish!"
And he gets a pin to stab his eyes
Again and again, and he smiles
Now he's back!
The song "A Dreamer Who is Too Weak to Face Up to" is a surrealistic and introspective piece by Melt-Banana. From the title, we can deduce that it is about someone who cannot face reality and chooses to reside in a dream world instead. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors to depict the dreamer's state of mind. The singer of the song has complete control in his dream world. He can do anything he wants, see anything he wants, and even die as per his wishes. His dreams become a refuge from the sadness and chaos of the outside world.
The dreamer's imagination knows no bounds. He can hide in the halo, run into terror, fly into jello, fit in the pocket, set a bomb in the coffin, live down in the sea, and jump into the pillow. However, even in his dream world, there is an underlying sense of unease. The dreamer is well aware that it is a dream, and he can wake up anytime he wishes. He cries out to the white moon, hoping to seek refuge in the phantasmal world forever.
Towards the end of the song, the dreamer takes a dark turn as he gets a pin to stab his eyes, symbolizing that he does not want to wake up and face reality. The song's repetitive structure and frenzied sound may mirror the dreamer's anxiety and distress.
Line by Line Meaning
He can do whatever he wants
He feels like he has the power to make his own choices
He can see whatever he wants
He sees the world from his own perspective without worrying about others' opinions
He can do whatever he needs
He feels like he has the capability to fulfill his needs
Whatever he hates
He does not feel restricted by dislikes or negative emotions
Whatever he dreams
He imagines possibilities to their full extent
Actually he's been in a dream
He is detached from reality and is living in a dream world
He can hide in the halo
He can shield himself from reality
He can run into the terror
He is fearless and embraces risk
He can fly in to the jello
He feels like he has the ability to do the impossible
I can do what I want!
He repeatedly affirms his autonomy
I can die when I wish!
He asserts that he has control over his own life and death
He can fit in to the pocket
He can adjust to different environments
He can set a bomb in a coffin
He is capable of destructive actions
He can live down in the sea
He is comfortable in isolation
Get my foot prints back to see the place
Where I'm standing still
Where I hate, its so sad dying world
So I'm fine in here!!
He reflects on the state of the world and finds solace in his current situation
He can jump in to the pillow
He finds fun in the mundane
He can break in to the PD
He feels like he can defy authority
He can gulp the do
He can do whatever he wants without fear of consequences
So he cries to the white moon
To the inside to see the cell-scape...
Now he's floating in blood
He experiences intense emotions and is in a state of chaos
He can set a bug on line
He can create chaos through technology
He can make a pig fly
He can do the impossible
He can shoot the spy dog
He can do violent acts without remorse
I can lie when I feel!
I can cry when I feel!
He is honest and emotional on his own terms
Dream in vain - he's hiding in the halo
Dream in vain - he's hiding in the terror
Dream in vain - he's hiding in the shelter
His dreams are a reflection of his desire to escape reality
And he gets a pin to stab his eyes
Again and again, and he smiles
Now he's back!
He tortures himself to bring himself back to reality
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind