Melt-Banana are a bit of a difficult band to define these days, at least with just one term. Grindcore? Noise rock? Punk? Maybe hyperpop? Whatever they are, it’s been a while since we’ve heard of them. The duo’s last LP came out in September 2013 – almost 11 years ago. Bring was received quite well upon its release, and over a decade of anticipation can build expectation that a band will follow up with something spectacular.
I am happy to say that Melt-Banana delivers on its promises.
Fans of their last release will be pleased to know 3+5 is very similar, with guitarist and effects artist Ichiro Agata continuing to use glitchy guitar sounds, Lightning strike-like riffs and soundscapes that are as joyful and chaotic as they are powerful. And since those three adjectives alone would be enough to sum up the sound of this album, I would like to add another: playful.
As described in the promotional material, 3+5 is “influenced by Japanese culture in general, and the subcultures of gaming, anime, and domestic underground music in particular.” From the moment “Code,” the opening track, begins, that influence is heard loud and clear, with electronic effects mimicking the menu sounds of a video game startup screen. As more and more aspects of the song are added, the tension builds until it erupts in a deafening burst of joyful noise. The rest of the song rides this wave of energy, with the next track, “Puzzle,” practically pulling the listener by the hand and making it clear that this driving force is only going to continue.
Image via japanvibe.net
This sense of continuity remains constant throughout the album. Although none of the tracks directly flow into one another, the whole album just feels coherent, which is no small feat for a band as fickle as Melt-Banana. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that there are so many moments in almost every song on the record where something unexpected happens. It’s not always something major: a development that doesn’t go where you’d expect it to; a change in the structure of a riff; a moment where the track drops out; etc., but it’s always done well. It never throws off the flow of a song; it just sends it in a different direction.
Of course, it is rare that an album is completely perfect. When it comes to 3+5 I really can’t find anything to complain about though. My only quibble (if you can even call it that) is that there are some tracks I like less than others. All in all though, I’m very impressed with what Melt-Banana have to offer with this record. Frankly, this is not only the album I listened to the most in preparation for a review, but also the album I most enjoyed listening to as many times as I did. Even on the fourth and fifth listens, there were moments on this album that brought a smile to my face and that still delight me after five or six listens. For fans of Melt-Banana, this record is certainly a treat, and for anyone who has heard this band before but doesn’t think much of them, I would still recommend checking it out. It’s worth mentioning here that while Yako’s vocal style hasn’t changed, it is more subdued on this release. For those who have never heard of their voice before, I think this release is definitely worth a try.
4.5/5 Burning toilets in hell
3+5 will be released tomorrow on A-ZAP RECORDS.
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