- Mass Of The Fermenting Dregs World Is Yours Album Cover
- Mass Of Fermenting Dregs World Is Yours Album Cover
- Mass Of Fermenting Dregs World Is Yours Album
Mass of the Fermenting Dregs, an Album by Mass of the Fermenting Dregs. Released 16 January 2008 on Avocado (catalog no. Genres: Alternative Rock. Rated #49 in the best albums of 2008, and #5604 of all-time album. Featured peformers: 宮本菜津子 Natsuko Miyamoto (bass, vocals), 石本知恵美 (Chiemi Ishimoto) (guitar, backing vocals), 後藤玲子. Mass of the Fermenting Dregs lyrics with translations: Sugar, Kono Speed no Saki e, You, delusionalism, Aoi, Koi, Daidai-iro no Hibi, Highlight, IF A SURFER.
Although I never thought I’d say this, school food punishment is a pleasure. That’s not the kinky statement you think it is! Seriously, this not-so-new band, founded in ’04 by vocalist and guitar Uchimura Yumi (who also writes all of the lyrics), blends poppish melodies with the bold, trashy heaviness of honest-to-god rock and jazzy, electronicky elements that uplift the entire listening experience. This is not the grunge metal you first think of when you hear the name, and it’s not the pransey chicka-mecca you think it might be when you see the vocalist. Okay, I’m sexist– female vocalists either have to have me swooning in five seconds or I’m not inspired to pursue.
Along the genre lines of Flumpool and Remioromen, but heavier, the instrumental composition is terrific. Bold, brash, noisy, and yet polished, precise, and funky. Good, strong bass-lines, thick drums, and weird influences all across the musical board. Although Uchimura’s vocals have the potential to be pretty and poppy, she manages to bridge genres skillfully and is neither too gloomy nor too kawaii. Balance is a tricky subject with female vocalists, I think, but Uchimura is brilliant.
The production work on this group is also interesting and new feeling. They use keyboards not necessarily just to set an atmosphere or effects, but, as they stated in an interview, “more like a lead-guitar or vocals”. All of their songs have an even production quality, and their music leans a lot on bassist Yamazaki, which is cool and refreshing, bringing forward a real underground feel.
school food punishment has a varied menu spotted with dishes like Fiction Nonfiction which sound weirdly Asian-inspired, electricky, and bass-heavy, while sporting super-cute vocal melodies:
…stretching to moodier snacks like Futuristic Imagination, and ballads like Set Low, Fine. For any electronica or atmospheric music lovers, you’ll find Egoist, which has sort of a the-Imogen-Heap-of-Jrock feel, to be a keeper.
And pure-pop that is charming and unique, despite having that generic electric-poppiness of so much Jpop princesses, in the form of Sea~ Through Communication. (Man… the main effects in this sound extremely familiar, but I can’t remember which song they remind me of).
Their best songs are the grungy heavy ones, in my personal opinion. The Jpop scene doesn’t really need any more cuties, and what school food has going strong in their grumpy rock stuff is exactly what the Jrock scene is starving for right now. Check out some awesome pieces like You May Crawl.
The four-member lineup includes: Uchimura Yumi (guitar, vocals, lyrics), Hidai Osamu (drums), Hasuo Masayuki (key), and Yamazaki Hideaki (bass, chorus). The members are all in their thirties, and bring a maturity and sensibility to their music that seems like a winning trait.
Although they started up in ’04, so far no mega album has hit shelves. They have released 4 singles, 3 EPs, and one indie single. Their fifth single, double A-side future nova/ after laughter will be released March 10th, and April 14th will witness amp-reflection, their first full-length album. In May they will go on a nationwide tour to promote the release of amp-reflection.
I highly recommend this group, and they should definitely be added to your up-and-coming lists. Although it may have taken a while for them to gain some recognition, now is the moment, so hook up your headphones and check this unique rock group out.
MOTFD in Roppongi (2009) | |
| Background information | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Kobe, Japan |
| Genres | Alternative rock, post-hardcore, shoegazing |
| Years active | 2002–2012, 2015–present |
| Labels | AVOCADO Records |
| Members | Natsuko Miyamoto Isao Yoshino Naoya Ogura |
| Past members | Reiko Gotoh Chiemi Ishimoto Yoshino Tsutomu |
Mass of the Fermenting Dregs (マス オブ ザ ファーメンティング ドレッグス, Masu obu za Fāmentingu Doreggusu) is a post-hardcore/shoegaze trio formed in Kobe, Japan in 2002. They are also popularly known by a shortened form of their name, Masu Dore (マスドレ). They are known for a tightly arranged, guitar-driven style, melodicpop vocals and a high-energy stage presence at their live events.They have been signed to the Japaneseindie rockrecord label AVOCADO Records since the release of their self-titled EP in January 2008.
Members[edit]
Current members[edit]
- Natsuko Miyamoto (宮本菜津子) b. April 9, 1983 – bass guitar, vocals
- Isao Yoshino (吉野功) – drums, vocals
- Naoya Ogura (小倉直也) – guitar, vocals
Former members[edit]
- Yoshino Tsutomu (吉野功) active 2010–2011 – drums[1][2]
- Reiko Gotoh (後藤玲子), active 2002–2007 – drums, backing vocals
- Chiemi Ishimoto (石本知恵美) b. March 25, 1984, active 2002–2010 – guitar, backing vocals
Early career[edit]
Mass of the Fermenting Dregs was formed in 2002 in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, with the original all-female lineup of Natsuko Miyamoto, Chiemi Ishimoto and Reiko Gotoh. Following Reiko's departure from the band in October 2007, the band toured with the official lineup of Natsuko and Chiemi, with various musicians serving as a 'support drummer'. Their breakthrough came at the 2007 'Road to Tarbox Audition' competition held by EMI Japan, which put the band in contact with noted American record producer Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, OK Go) of Tarbox Road Studios. With Fridmann producing, they recorded two tracks, I F A Surfer and Bears (ベアーズ), which appeared on their 2008 self-titled E.P. In 2010, support drummer Yoshino Tsutomu became an official member of the band, prior to the release of their major label debut album.[2]
Departure of Chiemi Ishimoto[edit]
Mass Of The Fermenting Dregs World Is Yours Album Cover
In October 2010, it was announced that the band's guitarist of six years, Chiemi Ishimoto, would be leaving the group after completing the band's national tour on December 11, 2010.[3] Her leaving was due to a medical panic disorder.[3] Ishimoto's last performance was held at the Shibuya Club Quattro.[3] Guitarist and lead vocalist Eriko Hashimoto of the band Chatmonchy attended the performance, sharing the enthralling experience of the final performance of 'End Roll' on her official blog on her band's official website.[4]
Departure of Yoshino Tsutomu[edit]
In December 2011, Yoshino Tsutomu announced that he would be leaving the group for undisclosed reasons. This left Miyamoto as the sole founding and active member of the band.
Dissolution[edit]
Though Natsuko Miyamoto, with the help of supporting members, continued to perform as Mass of the Fermenting Dregs through the spring of 2012, on September the 1st of the same year, she officially announced that Mass of the Fermenting Dregs would cease to exist as of that day. As a parting present, Miyamoto shared the last of the works recorded while Tsutomu was still a member. A song titled 'たんたんたん' (tantantan) was made available for download through a direct link placed within the page containing the departing letter to the fans on the official M.o.F.D. website.[5]
Reformation (2015–present)[edit]
In December the M.o.F.D website started to update, deleting the departing letter on the website.[6] Natsuko Miyamoto sent hints on Twitter about M.o.F.D, and the band was later confirmed to play on the New Year's Q2 Concert,[7][8] thus confirming the reunion of the band. In May, 2016, the band played in three Canadian cities on the 'Next Music From Tokyo' concert tour.
Related bands[edit]
The band's sound is often compared to that of other influential Japanese post-hardcore acts, notably NUMBER GIRL (ナンバー・ガール). They are often associated with the alternative/progressive rock act 9mm Parabellum Bullet(キューミリ・パラベラム・バレット), with whom they toured in early 2009.The English version of the band's website also claims western alternative rock bands Sugar (American band), The Wedding Present, and The Smashing Pumpkins as influences on their songwriting.[9]
Origin of the band's name[edit]
Natsuko explained the origin of the unusual band name in an interview with music retailer HMV: 'It doesn't have any particular meaning, we just lined up a few words that we liked.'[10]
Discography[edit]
Kirametal (demo) – released 9-15-2006, independent
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 'delusionalism' | 3:41 |
| 2. | 'I F A SURFER' | 3:35 |
| 3. | 'skabetty' | 4:44 |
MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS – released 1-16-2008, AVOCADO Records
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 'delusionalism' | 3:41 |
| 2. | 'Highlight (ハイライト Hairaito)' | 3:50 |
| 3. | 'skabetty' | 4:46 |
| 4. | 'Endroll (エンドロール Endorooru)' | 9:27 |
| 5. | 'I F A SURFER' | 3:40 |
| 6. | 'Bears (ベアーズ Beaazu)' | 4:46 |
World is Yours (ワールド イズ ユアーズ Waarudo Izu Yuaazu) – released 1/21/2009, AVOCADO Records
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 'Kono Supiido No Saki He (このスピードの先へ, tr. After this Speed)' | 3:24 |
| 2. | 'Aoi, Koi, Daidaiiro No Hi (青い、濃い、橙色の日, tr. Blue, Deep and Orange Day)' | 4:41 |
| 3. | 'Kaku Iu Mono (かくいうもの, tr. Such Things)' | 4:03 |
| 4. | 'She is inside, He is outside' | 2:53 |
| 5. | 'Nan Nan (なんなん)' | 3:39 |
| 6. | 'World is Yours (ワールド イズ ユアーズ)' | 3:31 |
Hikizuru Beat / Made. (ひきずるビート / まで。 Hikizuru bīto/ made.) – released 2/10/2010, AVOCADO Records
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 'Hikizuru bīto (ひきずるビート, tr. Dizzying beat)' | 4:16 |
| 2. | 'Made. (まで。, tr. Until.)' | 3:20 |
ゼロコンマ、色とりどりの世界 – released 8/04/2010, AVOCADO Records
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 'Zero Comma Iro Toridori No Sekai (ゼロコンマ、色とりどりの世界, tr. Zero Comma, Colorful World)' | 4:32 |
| 2. | 'Made (Jounetsu Mix) (まで。情熱ミックス)' | 3:21 |
| 3. | 'Owari No Hajimari (終わりのはじまり, tr. The Beginning of the End)' | 2:58 |
| 4. | 'RAT' | 3:18 |
| 5. | 'ONEDAY' | 5:06 |
| 6. | 'Cider To Kimi (サイダーと君)' | 3:32 |
| 7. | 'Zureru (ズレる)' | 3:25 |
| 8. | 'Hikizuru Beat (ひきずるビート)' | 4:17 |
| 9. | 'Sanzameku (さんざめく)' | 4:56 |
たんたんたん – released 9/01/2012 (via official website – download only)
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 'tantantan (たんたんたん)' | 4:21 |
スローモーションリプレイ – released 3/01/2017 7' Vinyl
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 'Slow-Motion Replay (スローモーションリプレイ)' | 3:36 |
No New World – released 07/04/2018, independent
Mass Of Fermenting Dregs World Is Yours Album Cover
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 'New Order' | 3:27 |
| 2. | 'あさひなぐ (ASAHINAGU)' | 4:19 |
| 3. | 'だったらいいのにな (If Only)' | 3:44 |
| 4. | 'YAH YAH YAH' | 0:50 |
| 5. | 'No New World' | 2:59 |
| 6. | 'HuHuHu' | 2:40 |
| 7. | 'Sugar' | 5:07 |
| 8. | 'スローモーションリプレイ (Slow-motion Replay)' | 3:37 |
Naked Album – released 08/14/2020, independent
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 'decision (2011/5/15 at GALVASTUDIO)' | 6:12 |
| 2. | 'くぼたさん (2011/5/15 at GALVASTUDIO)' | 3:36 |
| 3. | 'うたを歌えば (2017/2/12 at OGC's ROOM)' | 3:05 |
| 4. | 'New Order (2017/4/10 at Studio Revival)' | 3:33 |
| 5. | 'Sugar (2017/1/14 at Studio Revival)' | 5:04 |
| 6. | 'HuHuHu (2017/4/10 at Studio Revival)' | 2:41 |
| 7. | 'あさひなぐ (2017/4/10 at Studio Revival)' | 4:24 |
| 8. | 'だったらいいのにな (2011/5/15 at GALVASTUDIO)' | 3:57 |
| 9. | 'ADIDAS (2019/5/2 at Studio Revival)' | 3:13 |
| 10. | 'HOSSA (2011/6/15 at LDK Studio)' | 2:40 |
Citations[edit]
- ^'MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS: profile'. www.motfd.com.
- ^ ab'Next Music From Tokyo vol 13'. Next Music From Tokyo vol 13.
- ^ abc'Ishimoto Chiemi to leave MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS - tokyohive.com'. www.tokyohive.com.
- ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2013-12-19. Retrieved 2012-09-06.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^'MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS'. 10 October 2012. Archived from the original on 10 October 2012.
- ^'MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS'. 27 December 2015. Archived from the original on 27 December 2015.
- ^'Q2 concert EXTRA ~ NEW YEAR FROM HERE ~'. 下北沢GARAGE. 29 December 2015.
- ^'Q2 concert EXTRA ~ NEW YEAR FROM HERE ~ at Shimokitazawa GARAGE (Tōkyō) on 29 Dec 2015'. Last.fm.
- ^'MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS: ENGLISH'. www.motfd.com.
- ^'MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGSインタビュー!! 1/2'. www.hmv.co.jp. January 7, 2008.