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
Circle
Melt-Banana Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
More pegs wash your stingy tag, baggy lung
To get secrets
All must refer All past sinners
I take a look at fifth prick in the pith
More brags wait for buggy tongue
Watch your head
To meet outlets
And all say
Let go, let go let me say
Let go, let go snow lay knee-deep
Let go, let go let me say
His knee-caps got cracks,
About to give way
Chase it!!
Helix tells me secrets
"Here's fuse, free speed"
He let me cheat!
Just locate the gear 'RUSH'
Bang found wait
More pigs wash your tide lie
Watch now!
To get secrets
You must make up whole trash glitter
And all say,
Let go, let go let me say
Let go, let go snow lay knee-deep
Let go, let go let me say
His knee-caps got cracks
Chase it!
Last fellow, hide in a ditch
Patch bewitch to switch
I catch you later
Last fellow, die in a ditch
Next clutch to twitch
Such a saver, Hide in shelter
Lego lego lego
Halo covers ego, wipe out!
Chase it!
The lyrics to Melt-Banana's song "Circle-Jack" are cryptic and surreal, leaving room for interpretation by the listener. It seems to be a stream-of-consciousness rambling about secrets, sinners, and gears. The phrases are disjointed and non-linear, perhaps reflecting the chaotic thoughts of the singer.
The first verse is particularly difficult to decipher, using phrases like "bound shift" and "peg wash" that don't have obvious meanings. However, the repetition of "All must refer, All past sinners" suggests a theme of accountability and consequences for one's actions.
The chorus, with its repeated mantra of "Let go, let go," gives the impression of a release or surrender. The line "His knee-caps got cracks, about to give way" could represent a physical or emotional breaking point that demands letting go.
The second verse brings in a new character, Helix, who shares secrets and lets the singer "cheat." The gear "RUSH" may refer to a drug or other mind-altering substance. The phrase "whole trash glitter" is another enigmatic image that suggests a need to sift through garbage to find something valuable.
The final lines about hiding and dying in a ditch, as well as the abrupt ending with "Lego lego lego, Halo covers ego, wipe out!" hint at a sense of danger or impending doom.
In summary, "Circle-Jack" is a surreal and cryptic song that uses fragmented phrases and images to convey a sense of chaos, accountability, and release.
Line by Line Meaning
Take bound shift, found in a shaft
Taking a carefully planned shift, after having found a way in the shaft
More pegs wash your stingy tag, baggy lung
Cleanse and refresh your stingy image and heavy breathing
To get secrets
In order to obtain confidential information
All must refer All past sinners
Everyone should look at past sinners for reference
I take a look at fifth prick in the pith
I examine the fifth thorn in the core
More brags wait for buggy tongue
Additional boasting awaits someone with an unreliable tongue
Watch your head
Be careful to avoid danger
To meet outlets
To encounter opportunities
All must prefer All lost colors
Everyone should prioritize every vanished hue
And all say
Let go, let go let me say
Let go, let go snow lay knee-deep
Let go, let go let me say
His knee-caps got cracks,
About to give way
Chase it!!
Everyone chants to drop everything, snow falls heavily and cracks start to appear in a person's knees, then to pursue something with urgency
Helix tells me secrets
"Here's fuse, free speed"
He let me cheat!
Someone named Helix reveals confidential information and allows for cheating
Just locate the gear 'RUSH'
Bang found wait
More pigs wash your tide lie
Watch now!
Find the 'RUSH' gear, strike it with force and wait, cleanse another false statement and beware of the present situation
To get secrets
You must make up whole trash glitter
To obtain confidential information, one must create garbage in a glittering way
Last fellow, hide in a ditch
Patch bewitch to switch
I catch you later
The last person hides in a low area, implements a spell to make a change, we'll meet again soon
Last fellow, die in a ditch
Next clutch to twitch
Such a saver, Hide in shelter
The previous person perishes in a low area, then the next attempt trembles, and someone saves themselves by hiding in a shelter
Lego lego lego
Halo covers ego, wipe out!
Blocks building blocks building blocks, holy aura obscures pride, destroy everything!
Chase it!
Pursue it with urgency!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind