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

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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.

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