These days, Melt-Banana performs some of their shows under the name Melt-Banana Lite, and this album is a live recording of the new configuration. Melt-Banana Lite is not the usual Melt-Banana: there are drums and vocals, but no guitars--instead samplers and synth. It is different, but at the same time, one definitely feels Melt-Banana when one listens to it. It is like watching the ocean when diving, not when standing and watching from the land. Melt-Banana Lite shows another face of Melt-Banana, with more flexible, concentrated, and free minds. They have stepped forward, attempting to discover new possibilities for their music.
Yako said to me, "There are as many things to do as there are interesting things, but the important thing is to figure out what I really want to do now. Life is short and we don't have enough time to get everything done, you know." Where are they heading? Find out at their upcoming tour.
Yes, Melt-Banana is touring the States from late October through December, and they perform as Melt-Banana Lite as a part of their set. So check out their shows, see where the band is heading and discover what is in their minds now.
--R. Fujimaki
TOUR DATES - 2009 AMERICAN TOUR
10/29 * Visalia, CA @ Cellar Door
10/30 * San Francisco, CA @ Slim's
11/1 * San Diego, CA @ Casbah
11/3 * Tucson, AZ @ Plush
11/4 * Phoenix, AZ @ Hollywood Alley
11/6 * Denton, TX @ Haileys
11/7 * Austin, TX @ FFF Fest
11/8 * San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
11/9 * Houston, TX @ Walters
11/10 * New Orleans, LA @ Republic
11/11 * Pensacola, FL @ Sluggos
11/12 * Birmigham, AL @ Bottle Tree
11/13 * Athens, GA @ 40 Watt
11/14 * Gainesville, FL @ Common Grounds
11/15 * Tampa, FL @ Crobar
11/16 * Orlando, FL @ Back Booth
11/18 * Columbia, SC @ New Brookland
11/19 * Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
11/20 * Washington, DC @ R and R
11/21 * Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
11/22 * Philly, PA @ First Unitarian Church
11/23 * New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
11/24 * Boston, MA @ Middle East
11/25 * New Haven, CT @ The Space
11/27 * Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk
11/28 * tba
11/29 * Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
11/30 * Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
12/1 * Minneapolis, MN @ Entry
12/2 * Madison, WI @ High Noon
12/3 * Iowa City, IA @ Picadur
12/4 * Sioux Falls, SD @ Nutty's
12/5 * Omaha, NE @ Waiting Room
12/7 * Denver, CO @ Bluebird
12/8 * Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
12/10 * Missoula, MT @ Badlanders
12/11 * Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey
12/12 * tba
12/14 * tba
12/15 * Pomona, CA @ Glasshouse
12/16 * Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
