Scratch or Stitch
Melt-Banana · 1995
31 min · 22 tracks · hardcore punk
Frantic bursts of noise collide with absurdist lyrics, creating a chaotic yet playful sonic landscape that defies genre boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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Scratch or Stitch! — This track exemplifies the album's frenetic energy and showcases the band's signature mix of speed and humor through absurd lyrical imagery.
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IGUANA In Trouble — With its catchy hooks and playful chaos, this track reflects Melt-Banana's ability to merge punk aggression with melodic elements, making it a standout moment on the album.
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What Do You Slaughter Next? — The song captures the essence of Melt-Banana’s lyrical absurdity while delivering an infectious rhythm that encapsulates their unique sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's frenetic energy and unique blend of styles create a distinctive sound within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features short tracks averaging around two minutes, creating a relentless pace that rarely allows for breathing room.
- Vocals are delivered in a rapid-fire style, often layered with effects that add to the chaotic atmosphere.
- Absurdist lyrics are often delivered in a playful yet aggressive manner, enhancing the album's overall sense of chaos.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- frantic bursts of energy
- short attention span engagement
- playful irreverence in sound
- for chaotic environments
- quick, sharp sonic surprises
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer musical narratives
- seek smooth, consistent pacing
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Scratch or Stitch marked Melt-Banana's first full-length album after their 1994 debut EP. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their unique blend of hardcore punk and noise rock, carving out a niche within the Japanese underground music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Boredoms· Lightning Bolt· The Locust
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Plot in a Pot 1:19
- 2 Scratch or Stitch! 1:02
- 3 Sick ZiP Everywhere 1:51
- 4 DisPosable Weathercock 1:43
- 5 Ten Dollars A Pile 0:59
- 6 Ketchup-Mess 1:27
- 7 BuZZer #P 1:46
- 8 Rough Dogs Have Bumps 1:49
- 9 IGUANA In Trouble 2:21
- 10 It's In The PillcaSe 1:30
- 11 Test: Ground 1 0:30
- 12 Zoo, No Vacancy 0:15
- 13 A Finger to Hackle 0:22
- 14 TYPe B For Me 0:09
- 15 His Name Is Mickey (at last she got him...) 0:21
- 16 Back To The WomB 2:46
- 17 I HATe It! 0:58
- 18 What Do You Slaughter Next? 1:42
- 19 EYE-Q Trader 1:48
- 20 DIG Out! 2:23
- 21 Contortion Out of Confusion 1:39
- 22 Pigeons On My EYes (GO TO Bed!!) 2:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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