Biography

The intense sound of MELT-BANANA is a kind of institution forfans, critics as well as such kind of musicians which cannot be shocked by complex structures and arrangements.Countless singles and sampler contributions, 11 ½ albums,concerts around the world - With their hard, experimental andunique sound, Melt Banana have grown into a big piece of music history.

It's not surprising that many fans of Melt Banana are also musicians who recognize and appreciatethe complexity and the high score of MxBx. It is no coincidence that such artists as JOHN ZORN,TOOL, MIKE PATTON, FANTOMAS, WIRE, UNDERWORLD, MELVINS, TOOL or the unfortunately too soon deceased LOU REED, have collaborated with them.

MELT-BANANA consists of Yasuko Onuki (“Yako”) and guitarist Ichiro Agata (“Agata”). Agatas guitar sound is often discribed as a battery of turntables, synths and sampler, hidden betweent he six guitar strings to create this “Hypertension sound".

MELT-BANANA concerts are long lasting impressions: Sympathic musicians, magical atmosphere, the volume, the surprise effects during the songs, almost perfect handling of their instruments. Grindcore riffs loaded with unexpected effects, sharp shouts and heavy pressure. Within seconds you think of art, noise, punk, metal, RiotGRRL, GrindCore, PopCulture or of an exciting soundtrack..

Are MELT-BANANA a noise band? Or a punk band? Techno Pop? This question does not really matter: Giving Melt-Banana a branding had never worked out. The band stands for innovation and progress. Their sound plays in a totally separate league and is often regarded as a trendsetter for many bands of the great genre "Noise" or "Rock".

Founded as a typical 4-piece in the mid 90s, they are meanwhile a duo. But it would be a big mistake, however, to call the loss of real drummer and real bassplayer on stage as a “loss”. No way !

It was just a logical progress for Melt Banana to start working with a PC and samples. And the result is amazing: the sound of bass and drums are even more massive and straight to the point than ever… Meanwhile proven on many many tours and also on the 2013 album release “Fetch”, wich is for Yako and Ichiro Agata a kind of post-Fukushima album: Recordings began in January 2011 and finished a long time after the nuclear disaster in March 2011. Full of many sound gadgets and so far untypically colorful blended bonds of pop melodies(?), clever loops and striking effects.

The first edition was immediately sold out, and the critics were thrilled: "Rolling Stone, SPIN, Louder Than War", "the best album ever", the best album ever made by one of the best live bands in the world ". "Welcome back Melt-Banana, we love U" (Metalblast), "Album of the week" SPIN.

In 2015 the single compilation album "Return of 13 Hedgehogs" (13 singles from the years 2000 to 2009) followed by five months tour of the USA. During the tour, they took part in Eaux Claires Fes (USA) curated by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, and Maryland Death Fest (USA).

Back in Japan, they wrote a song for a Japanese animation called "Ninja Slayer". 2016 - 2019 they have been a few times on tour in US (with Napalm Death, Melvins), Russia and all over Europe. 2022: Touring US, CAN, UK and EU. Touring. 2023: Touring the US with IGORRR