From Japan with Loud

After seeing Melt-Banana sonically demolish Soho Lounge last November, I struggled to come to grips with what I had just heard. The balanced assault of Yasuko O's hiccup/sneeze/scream vocals, Agata's indescribable guitar violation, Rika's pummeling bass, and Dave Witte's tighter-than-a-duck's-ass drumming unearthed something akin to the feeling of sticking a...

By Audra Schroeder

June 26, 2003

[
        {
          "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
          "component": "16971022",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "15769925",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "16575154",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "GPT - Rectangle 2x - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
          "component": "15782206",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "16575154",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
          "component": "15782207",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

After seeing Melt-Banana sonically demolish Soho Lounge last November, I struggled to come to grips with what I had just heard. The balanced assault of Yasuko O's hiccup/sneeze/scream vocals, Agata's indescribable guitar violation, Rika's pummeling bass, and Dave Witte's tighter-than-a-duck's-ass drumming unearthed something akin to the feeling of sticking a Q-Tip into my ear to mine that "it hurts, but it feels good" sensation. But even months later, the ringing in my ears would not go away. I recently came to the glaring realization that I should stop pondering where Melt-Banana's inspired lunacy, organized chaos, and perfect noise craftsmanship spring from and accept the fact that this Japanese quartet is the tightest, loudest, most syntax-challenged band I have ever seen. And there's not a damn thing I can do about it, which totally rules. So don't miss Melt-Banana with the Heatseekers and Secret Service, 8 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at the Factory, 2674 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $10. Call 954-566-6331.

Become A Member

BEFORE YOU GO...
Can you help us continue to share our stories? Since the beginning, New Times Broward-Palm Beach has been defined as the free, independent voice of South Florida — and we'd like to keep it that way. Our members allow us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls.