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
Zero
Melt-Banana Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Diamonds on me jumping
Got the cousin
Ooh
He stay Eastside plugging
Money coming
And I love it
Ooh
Zeros on me
Andre drummond
Ooh
Yah my city comin
Raining for em
All these buckets
Run up a check for me
I'm goin frieza im cold like patek phillipe
Cooler than frosted chains
Game is like chess
We kings
So much for taking over that percentage
I tunnel vision my way out my senses
I see all around me
They seein thru lenses
I work my way thru the benzez
I just do me homie
Fuck your consensus
Hunnids of beats in my cupboards
Shit got no bottom
Shit Donald ducking
This shit get fucked up
Raw need no rubber
I could see clearer now
I'm off the druggas
I pull out singing
These bitches they love it
Down for a minute
But I'll be above em
Hate it or love it
If u ain't with it
Can't sway with the brothas
Bang bang
Sip wok with the gang
O man we insane
Out here switchin lanes
You lame
You a lame
U bitches cant hang
You is playing
U ain't gang
U bitches ain't gang
I stay running
Diamonds on me jumping
Got the cousin
Ooh
He stay Eastside plugging
Money coming
And I love it
Ooh
Envy got em dummin
Zeros on me
Andre drummond
Ooh
Yah my city comin
Raining for em
All these buckets
Murder on my mind
I had to read between the lines
Count my blessings can’t afford to see my mama cry
Racing through my prime I gotta get it while I can
She say she don’t want it
So I let the birdie fly
Uno uno uno
2 seater car need that uno
One bad one I’m tryna see without no fucking shoes on
Can’t fuck with these hoes really got no time for nuance
She think she a dime
But I think I found some new ones
Run up the racks so I’m comfortable
Niggas run they mouth like the huxtables
She wanna slide thru she feeling vulnerable
We could get freaky like the lovers do
She screaming my name it’s just us two
She said you was the homie when I saw you
Bust down bust down thot ouuff
This shit getting tangled like some noodles
Cold game in my ice cold veins
Cold game hella diamonds in my chain
Cold game this shit got em going hysterical
Way I had it adding up its astronomical
I stay running
Diamonds on me jumping
Got the cousin
Ooh
He stay Eastside plugging
Money coming
And I love it
Ooh
Envy got em dummin
Zeros on me
Andre drummond
Ooh
Yah my city comin
Raining for em
All these buckets
Yuh
Shawty coming thru huh
Shawty got them Buckets
Shawty come thru
I be selling Nuggets
I don't give a fuck
Coming thru a Ruckus
I don't fuck with fuck niggas
Feel like uncle ruckus
Imma tell you hoe
I dont get to trustin
Ah, fuck shit
Drugs and we chucking
East coast niggas
Ya we get to runnn'
Millie rocking
At the Same club where the pistols poppin
I’m Posted up
Like I’m John stockton
Haters bitches
They All talking
We flexing on the regular
Bad bitches hit my cellular
Wildin out don’t know what to tell you brah
She a thotty
And wanna fuck
She be loving the melanin
Given head
Not hesitant
Fucked the bitch
Then got my bread
Shawty does what Simon Says
Speed it up
I’m Foreign whippin
Black label
I’m always sippin
Jordan ones
I’m Always kickin
I’m laced up but they always trippin
I stay running
Diamonds on me jumping
Got the cousin
Ooh
He stay Eastside plugging
Money coming
And I love it
Ooh
Envy got em dummin
Zeros on me
Andre drummond
Ooh
Yah my city comin
Raining for em
All these buckets
Came on with like 10 racks I blew it on some bullshit
Homies like where the music at you ain’t coming out with a new hit
Sticking to my blueprint give a fuck about what a fool think
I’m flexin like I got new kicks, just left the club with your bitch
Thinking of ways that I could go get with makin this paper
Came way too far to get in my feelings or worry about haters
Feelin’ invincible I got your shawty she fucked on my genital
If I don’t talk to em then I get rid of em
Fuck all the drama I’m makin’ residual
Hustlin’ weed, I fell in love and I made it my ritual
Before I sleep, I join my hands and I pray to my biblical
I stay running
Diamonds on me jumping
Got the cousin
Ooh
He stay Eastside plugging
Money coming
And I love it
Ooh
Envy got em dummin
zeros on me
Andre drummond
Ooh
Yah my city comin
Raining for em
All these buckets
The lyrics for Melt-Banana’s “Zero” are a stream of consciousness, with multiple themes spanning money, power, love, and violence. The opening refrain “I stay running” sets the tone as the singer describes his life on the go, with “diamonds on me jumping” and “money coming.” The second verse touches on matters of jealousy and envy, with “envy got em dummin” and “zeros on me, Andre Drummond.” The latter is a reference to the NBA player, known for his high scoring and high earning ability.
The third verse shifts focus to the power dynamics of the music industry, with the singer asserting his independence and tunnel vision when it comes to his career. “Fuck your consensus,” he declares, before detailing his overflowing cupboards full of beats. He name-checks Donald Duck, alluding to the character’s habit of swiftly avoiding danger, to describe a chaotic world in which he navigates easily. On the chorus, the singer comes back to the title concept, with “Zeros on me, Andre Drummond,” “money coming,” and “raining for them all these buckets” referring to his wealth and success.
The rest of the verses deal with relationships, love interests, and more power dynamics. There’s mention of “murder on my mind” and “count my blessings can’t afford to see my mama cry,” signaling danger and familial responsibilities. There are also plenty of references to sexual conquests, with the singer describing himself as “cool like patek philippe” and claiming to “pull out singing” before noting that he’ll stay “above em” when it comes to the women in his life.
Overall, “Zero” is a chaotic yet compelling snapshot of a flashy, high-powered life. The singer is confident, boasting about his wealth and influence, but also somewhat paranoid, wary of haters and emotionally distant from the women in his life. There’s a sense that he’s always on the go, always hustling, but also always looking over his shoulder.
Line by Line Meaning
I stay running
I am constantly on the move, never staying in one place
Diamonds on me jumping
I have expensive jewelry that catches people's attention
Got the cousin
I have connections that help me in my endeavors
Ooh
Expression of excitement or satisfaction
He stay Eastside plugging
My cousin is actively involved in the underground scene, making connections and helping me out
Money coming
I am consistently making money
And I love it
I genuinely enjoy the success and wealth I have
Envy got em dummin
Others are filled with envy and it affects their judgment and actions
Zeros on me
I have large quantities of money
Andre drummond
Reference to the basketball player Andre Drummond, implying that I am successful and dominant like him
Yah my city comin
My hometown is gaining recognition and success because of me
Raining for em
I am bringing success and prosperity to those around me
All these buckets
I am achieving great success and accomplishments
Murder on my mind
I am constantly thinking about how to surpass my competition and achieve greatness
I had to read between the lines
I had to analyze and understand hidden meanings or motives in order to succeed
Count my blessings can’t afford to see my mama cry
I am grateful for my success and don't want to see my loved ones suffer
Racing through my prime I gotta get it while I can
I am in the prime of my life and need to seize every opportunity for success
She say she don’t want it
A woman claims she doesn't desire my success
So I let the birdie fly
I ignore her and continue on my path to success without her
Uno uno uno
One by one, I am accomplishing my goals
2 seater car need that uno
I want a two-seater car that stands out
One bad one I’m tryna see without no fucking shoes on
I want to be intimate with an attractive woman without any barriers
Can’t fuck with these hoes really got no time for nuance
I don't have patience for complicated or subtle relationships with women
She think she a dime
She believes she is highly attractive
But I think I found some new ones
I have discovered even more attractive women
Run up the racks so I’m comfortable
I am making a lot of money and living a comfortable life
Niggas run they mouth like the huxtables
People talk excessively like the characters from 'The Cosby Show'
She wanna slide thru she feeling vulnerable
A woman desires to come to me in a vulnerable state
We could get freaky like the lovers do
We can engage in intimate and unconventional activities
She screaming my name it’s just us two
She is passionately expressing her desire for me
She said you was the homie when I saw you
A woman claimed she was just friends with me when others were around
Bust down bust down thot ouuff
Reference to a highly promiscuous woman
This shit getting tangled like some noodles
The situation is becoming complicated and difficult to navigate
Cold game in my ice cold veins
I have a ruthless and calculated mentality
Cold game hella diamonds in my chain
I have an impressive and valuable collection of jewelry
Cold game this shit got em going hysterical
My actions and lifestyle are causing others to react with excitement and envy
Way I had it adding up its astronomical
The way I am accumulating wealth and success is extraordinary
Shawty coming thru huh
A woman is planning to visit
Shawty got them Buckets
The woman has a lot of desirable qualities
Shawty come thru
The woman is coming over
I be selling Nuggets
I am successfully selling drugs
I don't give a fuck
I don't care about anything or anyone
Coming thru a Ruckus
Causing chaos or disturbance when I arrive
I don't fuck with fuck niggas
I avoid associating with untrustworthy or dishonest people
Feel like uncle ruckus
I feel like someone who holds strong prejudices, similar to the character Uncle Ruckus from 'The Boondocks'
Imma tell you hoe
I will be upfront and honest with you
I dont get to trustin
I am cautious and skeptical when it comes to trust
Ah, fuck shit
Expression of frustration or annoyance
Drugs and we chucking
Engaging in drug use and reckless behavior
East coast niggas
Referring to myself and my East coast companions
Ya we get to runnn'
We are constantly on the move and active
Millie rocking
Dancing a popular style known as the Millie Rock
At the Same club where the pistols poppin
I am present in a dangerous environment where violence occurs
I’m Posted up
I am relaxed and comfortable
Like I’m John stockton
I am calm and collected like the basketball player John Stockton
Haters bitches
People who dislike me are insignificant
They All talking
They are all gossiping or spreading rumors
We flexing on the regular
We are constantly showing off and displaying our success
Bad bitches hit my cellular
Attractive women contact me on my phone
Wildin out don’t know what to tell you brah
I am acting unpredictably and can't explain it to you
She a thotty
She is promiscuous or sexually active
And wanna fuck
She desires to engage in sexual activity
She be loving the melanin
She is attracted to my skin color
Given head
She performed oral sex
Not hesitant
She was eager and willing
Fucked the bitch
I had sexual intercourse with her
Then got my bread
Afterwards, I made money or gained something of value
Shawty does what Simon Says
She blindly follows what I tell her to do
Speed it up
Move faster or increase the pace
I’m Foreign whippin
I am driving an imported or luxury vehicle
Black label
Referring to high-end or top-shelf products
I’m always sippin
I am always drinking or consuming alcohol
Jordan ones
Referring to popular sneakers made by the brand Jordan
I’m Always kickin
I am always wearing or using something stylish
I’m laced up but they always trippin
I am well-prepared and stylish, but others still find something to criticize
Came on with like 10 racks I blew it on some bullshit
I had a large sum of money and wasted it on unnecessary or frivolous things
Homies like where the music at you ain’t coming out with a new hit
My friends are questioning why I haven't released new music and are expecting a successful song
Sticking to my blueprint give a fuck about what a fool think
I am sticking to my established plan or strategy and don't care about the opinions of ignorant people
I’m flexin like I got new kicks, just left the club with your bitch
I am showing off my success and recently left a club with someone's girlfriend
Thinking of ways that I could go get with makin this paper
I am constantly brainstorming ideas to make money
Came way too far to get in my feelings or worry about haters
I have come a long way in my journey to success and won't let negative emotions or opinions affect me
Feelin’ invincible I got your shawty she fucked on my genital
I feel unbeatable and I have taken someone's girlfriend and engaged in sexual activity
If I don’t talk to em then I get rid of em
If someone is not beneficial to me, I cut them out of my life
Fuck all the drama I’m makin’ residual
I disregard unnecessary conflicts and focus on making passive income
Hustlin’ weed, I fell in love and I made it my ritual
I became deeply involved in selling marijuana and turned it into a routine
Before I sleep, I join my hands and I pray to my biblical
Before I go to sleep, I pray to my religious beliefs
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Akash Verma, Chris Akomas, Koray Özkoçan, Louis Muthahi, Ralph Tumaliuan, Ryan Lore
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
J03Y JUNKRVTT
Her voice is so soothing, in like, a robotic, celestial kinda way. Like the stars are singing to me directly
Leonard Newsom
I love her❤
goco poloko
That guitar in the beginning will always have a special place in my heart.
gary edgar
I saw them a few years ago around Bambi's Dream and i've seen music stores with less pedals than the guitarist !!!!!! We counted 22 !!!!
Tizio Fittizio
True... When they played in Rome, on stage was only pedals... XD
Wraith Timid
I honestly couldn't imagine any other vocalist fronting this band. The vocals are like the cherry on top of this wild concoction of sporadic, hyperactive noise. It's like anime on acid. It's awesome. lol
Jekyl Whispy
This boss battle music. Always
Puskar wagle
Yess really well put.
xHetKutx
Like there is no other singer out there that completes this band like she does. I can't even imagine them having another singer.
blackcowboy official
Why are we arguing about the singer? She's a legitimate core of this band.