The Japanese noise-punk group Melt-Banana has made a triumphant return with their latest album, "3 + 5," released on August 23, 2024. This marks the band's first new music in 11 years, following their critically acclaimed album "Fetch." Consisting of Tokyo-based vocalist Yako and guitarist Agata, Melt-Banana has aggressively pushed the boundaries of punk and noise-rock since their formation over three decades ago. Appropriately described as a unique genre of its own—often categorized as Japanoise, noise-punk, or grind-core—Melt-Banana has built a dedicated following that includes influential artists such as John Zorn and Mike Patton.
"3 + 5" runs for a mere 24 minutes but is packed with frenetic energy and avant-garde experimentation. The album features tracks like "Code," "Flipside," and "Puzzle," showcasing the duo’s ability to merge rapid-fire instrumentation with video game-style electronics and glitch-heavy effects. The result is a dizzying mix of catchy yet chaotic melodies, making it an exhilarating listening experience. Critics have noted that the album's vibrant, high-energy production brings a sense of Day-Glo sheen to their already distinctive sound. It has been described as a potential masterpiece for Melt-Banana, with a review from Brad Cohan awarding it an A- grade. For an in-depth look at the album, you can check out the review on Spin.
In conjunction with the album release, Melt-Banana continues to shape their legacy within the noise music scene, offering a fresh take that retains the chaotic precision that fans have come to love. Their new album not only marks a significant moment in their career but strengthens their position as one of punk's most innovative acts. With this new release, fans are eager to see how the band will evolve their already unique sound in the future.