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
Ketchup-Mess
Melt-Banana Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ketchup. Kickback. Ketchup. Kickshaw. Ketchup. Kickup. Ketchup. KidnaP
Keep that kid keen
Cut your finger and You'll cry out. Hit your eyes and You'll see it
Primitive catling. I can give you. Bloody ketchup. Bloody kidnaP
See that green clean cattle. Play to meat. So sleepy creep greed
Ketchup. Kickback. Ketchup. Kickshaw. Ketchup. Kickup. Ketchup. KidnaP
I can give you Primitive catling. Bloody ketchup. Bloody KIDNAP!
Mock Flock. It's STUCK!!
The lyrics to Melt-Banana's song Ketchup-Mess are quite abstract and hard to interpret. They seem to be a mix of random phrases and words that don't necessarily make sense on their own. However, when put together, they create a feeling of chaos and confusion, reflecting the song's title and overall sound.
The first line of the lyrics, "Kill that cat. I can keep my fish," is a bit puzzling, but it could be interpreted as a statement of power and control over a situation. The singer is able to keep their fish safe, but they also have the ability to harm something else (in this case, a cat).
The repeated phrases of "Ketchup. Kickback. Ketchup. Kickshaw. Ketchup. Kickup. Ketchup. Kidnap" seem almost nonsensical, but they create a sense of urgency and unrest, as if the singer is repeating them frantically in a moment of turmoil. The later lines about cutting your finger, ripping your head off, and shaving your nose further add to the chaotic imagery.
Overall, the lyrics to Ketchup-Mess create a feeling of disorientation and frenzy. They may not have a straightforward meaning, but they add to the overall atmosphere of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Kill that cat. I can keeP my FisH
I prioritize my own desires over other living creatures.
Ketchup. Kickback. Ketchup. Kickshaw. Ketchup. Kickup. Ketchup. KidnaP
Acting impulsively with violence and aggression.
Keep that kid keen
Manipulate and maintain control over others.
Cut your finger and You'll cry out. Hit your eyes and You'll see it
Hurt yourself physically and emotionally to truly understand the pain of others.
RiP your head off. It's so sticky. Shave your nose. I show my temper
React with extreme violence and disregard for consequences.
Primitive catling. I can give you. Bloody ketchup. Bloody kidnaP
Commit acts of violence and aggression with no justification or reasoning.
See that green clean cattle. Play to meat. So sleepy creep greed
Exploiting and profiting from the vulnerable and helpless.
Mock Flock. It's STUCK!!
Disregard and dismiss the opinions and feelings of others.
Contributed by Eva R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.