Melt-Banana has been creating aggressive noise-core for more than two decades now. However, through the band’s career, they’ve changed their sound a bit, experimenting with electronica and pop instrumentation to complement vocalist Yasuko Onuki’s iconic, high-pitched screech and guitarist Ichirou Agata’s multi-layered scratch/slide guitar. Their most recent album, fetch, retains the band’s signature discordant sound balanced with pop sensibilities that will appeal to new listeners.
Recently, I had the chance to ask Yako and Agata a few questions over email prior to their North American tour, 2 do what 2 fetch. We talked about the album, the future of the band without longtime bassist Rika mm, and the differences between playing in America and Japan. Check it out! If you’re interested in catching the Japanese noise-core band, tickets are still on sale for their 21+ show at the Double Door this Sunday. The show will also feature Brain Tentacles, Guzzlemug, and Svlphvrs.