So imagine how the Coachella 2025 crowd must have felt when Japanese Breakfast performed an incredible new interpretation of Gorillaz’s original classic smash single, “On Melancholy Hill.” The song, first put out in 2010, has grown over the years into an all-time favorite. The band’s performance really shines a light on their rebel stylistic touch. Caye’s performance shone through a colorfully energetic set that mixed new material with crowd pleasers.
Michelle Zauner, the lead member of Japanese Breakfast, led the band through an exhilarating setlist that included selections from their catalog as well as songs from their recently released album, For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women). Something about the new album feels different—the introspective themes, the innovative sound. That cements the band’s collective importance to the current indie music landscape, like it or not.
Beyond “On Melancholy Hill”, the setlist was full of interesting picks. One of them was “Orlando in Love,” a provocative song from their past catalog whose sensitive lyrics struck a chord with fans. The band additionally released “Picture Window,” a cut that showcases their trademark combination of earworm melodic hooks and existential lyricism.
One of the biggest showstoppers of their set was “Mega Circuit,” another album track which has become a highlight of their live set. The tappy, rhythmic delivery of this upbeat track kicked the crowd into high gear and reinforced Japanese Breakfast’s contagious energy on stage. Furthermore, “Honey Water,” another fan favorite from her discography, contributed to the poignant mood of the show.
The audience responded enthusiastically to the blend of nostalgia and fresh material, reflecting Japanese Breakfast’s ability to connect with both long-time fans and newcomers. Their arrangement of “On Melancholy Hill” was a beautiful tribute to Gorillaz, but a perfect showcase of their artistry.