Melt-Banana’s return after nearly a decade with their project 3+5 is both bewildering and captivating, showcasing a unique blend of confusion and mastery. The title track sets the tone for the entire album, beginning with sparse, almost dry synth plucks that are quickly abandoned in favor of mysterious, distorted guitar movements. The transition is abrupt, leaving listeners in a state of confusion, and the pitched-up vocals that follow are difficult to decipher. It’s only toward the middle of the track that the song begins to adopt a familiar rhythm — one a listener can easily nod their head to if inclined, though this semblance of normalcy doesn’t last long.
This disorienting pattern of unpredictable shifts and changes defines the entire nine-track project. Each song seems to follow a similar formula of building atmospheres that dissolve into chaotic, distorted soundscapes before briefly settling into more recognizable structures. Track 3, “Case D,” however, skips the ominous introductions and throws the listener directly into chaos. The track launches immediately into the action with piercing, pitched vocals that explode over frenetic drums and an aggressive, distorted guitar riff. What sets “Case D” apart and arguably one of the album’s highlights, is its daring bridge a minute into the track. Here, the song discards the existing riff, replacing it with a stuttering kick sequence that feels as though the entire rhythm is glitching out. The tension builds as a cymbal stutter is added on top, creating a captivating, almost mechanical feeling before warping guitar noises cut through the mix, adding to the sensory overload. This intricate bridge stretches for nearly a minute, gradually warping in complexity, creating an engrossing sonic landscape.
Other songs, like “Scar” and “Hex,” offer a slightly more accessible experience, giving listeners a moment to grasp the rhythm right from the start. The melodies are introduced early on, allowing for more immediate engagement. However, despite this more straightforward approach, the band’s penchant for structure-breaking experimentation persists. These tracks might feel more familiar, but the constant shifts and the band’s ability to subvert expectations still leave one on edge, immersing them deeper into the unpredictable world of Melt-Banana.
In 3+5, Melt-Banana continues to defy conventions, pushing the boundaries of experimental rock and noise with a relentless barrage of sonic twists and turns. The album’s dizzying mix of distorted guitars, frenetic rhythms and hard-to-decipher vocals might alienate some listeners, but for those willing to dive into the chaos, it’s a thrilling, if perplexing, experience.
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