Tokyo’s ballistic missiles Melt Banana (pictured left) fire fast and furious bursts of charged guitar sparks and staccato vocal blurts that punctuate every one of their usually brief songs. They’ve been embraced by downtown art snobs like John Zorn and head-banging noise freaks alike, and for good reason. They’re as vibrant as ever, after 10-plus years. Chapel Hill’s own cage-rattlers Cold Sides and local free jazz rock group Defenestrator open. For more information: 831-1005. –Chris Toenes
