Bananatype cover

Bananatype

Eraserheads · 1997

20 min · 5 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant mix of alternative rock and pop melodies that capture the essence of 90s Philippine music culture.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Harana — This track features heartfelt acoustic elements that highlight the band's ability to convey deep emotions through simple yet impactful lyrics. Its romantic theme reflects cultural nuances of courtship in the Philippines.
  • →
    Policewoman — With its catchy chorus and playful instrumentation, Policewoman showcases a more humorous side of the band while addressing themes of desire and attraction in an engaging way.
  • →
    Bananatype — The title track encapsulates the band's signature sound with its memorable melody and clever wordplay, illustrating their knack for writing songs that resonate with everyday experiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

Bananatype showcases solid songwriting and production typical of its era but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its peers.

What we noticed

  • The first track, 'Harana', opens with a gentle acoustic guitar that sets a laid-back tone, while the following tracks gradually introduce more electric instrumentation.
  • The EP maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace throughout, with only slight variations in energy levels across the five tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • youthful exuberance and nostalgia
  • short bursts of catchy energy
  • gradual build to reflective conclusion
  • for afternoon hangouts

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, sprawling albums
  • seek immediate gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 1997, Bananatype was the Eraserheads' fourth studio album, following their breakthrough release, Cutterpillow. By this point, they had solidified their status as the leading band in the Philippine rock scene, continuing to shape the landscape with their innovative sound and relatable lyrics.
Stylistic neighbors
Rivermaya· Parokya ni Edgar· Sugarfree

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Harana 6:04
  • 2 Policewoman 5:10
  • 3 Bananatype 3:31
  • 4 I Can't Remember You 3:06
  • 5 Tikman 2:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata