Obviously it’s a bit early, but I’m essentially ready to declare Melon Batake a Go Go my pick for Homicidols’ annual Best-Of in the “Breakthrough Artist” category. The group is on fire right now, with what finally appears to be a stable, solid line-up backed by great tunes, and an incrementally growing fan-following that really adore these “Idols From Outerspace”. Even from the short time ago this blog previously covered these girls, they’re swiftly taken on a new life and gained new fans. It’s fun and exciting to watch a group rise from obscurity and earn some well-deserved praise, and the time is definitely at hand for these young ladies.

https://twitter.com/MELONBATAKEAGO2/status/985829172663615488

With the iron hot, the sidekick idols are poised to strike with their upcoming EP “SICKxIDOLSxSICK” (It reminds me of the Cramps’ classic album “Stay Sick”!) which comes out in May. This will be the first release with the group’s current roster, because all the members are still too new to have recorded together before. (I think Soze is the only active member to have any recorded Melon music at all.)

The newly invigorated Melon Batake a Go Go has charged up their social media resources to spread the word of outer-space-psychobilly-infused-garage-rock-idol-music, including taking advantage of Soundcloud to share a brand-new song for the masses! It’s called “Horror Billy Nights”…

It’s a solid rocker that’d make about any band proud! Nice meaty guitars, great vocals, and a spooky vibe that’ll fit into your Halloween party mixes this Fall. The only minor issue I take is that with a name like “Horror Billy Nights”, I kinda wish there was a little more “billy” in there. Just twang up those guitars a little bit! This is an idol group that I’m simply dying to see eventually perform with a live three-piece band featuring a devil-locked dude slapping a coffin-shaped stand-up bass with a couple of go-go dancers (Or a guy in a gorilla suit, that’s always cool too!) shaking it fast on pedestals along the edge of the stage.

Also up on the YouTubes is a short promo video that features another newly recorded song that Melon’s been performing live for some time, and moody piece of horror pop called “Change the Wolfman”…

While things are certainly going fantastic for Melon Batake a Go Go, there’s been one unfortunate hitch in their giddy-up.  (Literally) Sadly, Soze Nakamura injured her ACL during a show last month, and she’s been out of the live-equation while awaiting surgery, followed by the eventual recovery process. The group’s been performing with occasional guest stars- as well as a framed photo of Nakamura in her honor. In the meantime, Soze has been revitalizing the group’s long-dormant Instagram account, which had been seemingly forgotten, with brand new, fresh photos. (On a related note, she now has a SOZELICA Instagram account as well!)

I haven’t seen any sort of pre-order information for purchasing “SICKxIDOLSxSICK” but I’m certainly keeping my eyes open. Also hopefully now that the Melon Girls have increased their stature considerably, perhaps the distribution for this EP will be improved. It’s been a bit of a task to get hold of their earlier stuff and it’d be great if a wider base could get their hands on this upcoming gem. They certainly deserve it, and there’s no doubt in my mind that we’re looking at future breakouts here. Keep your eyes on Melon Batake a Go Go!!!