Mass of the Fermenting Dregs

Mass of the Fermenting Dregs
MOTFD in Roppongi (2009)
Background information
Origin	Kobe, Japan
Genres	Alternative rock, post-rock, shoegazing
Years active	2002-Present
Labels	AVOCADO Records
Members
Natsuko Miyamoto Yoshino Tsutomu
Past members
Reiko Gotoh Chiemi Ishimoto

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 Faamentingu Doreggusu） is a post-rock/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, melodic pop vocals and a high-energy stage presence at their live events. They have been signed to the Japanese indie rock record label AVOCADO Records since the release of their self-titled EP in January 2008.

Members

• Natsuko Miyamoto (宮本菜津子) b. April 9, 1983 – bass guitar, vocals
• Yoshino Tsutomu (吉野功) active 2010–present, drums^[1][2]

Former Members

• 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

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.^[3]

Departure of Chiemi Ishimoto

It was announced that the bands guitarist of six years, Chiemi Ishimoto, would be leaving the group after completing the bands national tour on December 11, 2010.^[4] Her reason for leaving is due to a medical panic disorder.^[5] Ishimoto's last performance will be held at the Shibuya Club Quattro.^[6]

Related Bands

The band’s sound is often compared to that of other influential Japanese post-rock 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, The Wedding Present, and The Smashing Pumpkins as influences on their songwriting.^[7]

Origin of the Band’s Name

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.”^[8]

Discography

Kirameta (demo) - released 9-15-2006, independent

No.	Title	Length
1.	"delusionalism"
2.	"I F A SURFER"
3.	"skabetty"

MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS - released 1-16-2008, AVOCADO Records

No.	Title	Length
1.	"delusionalism"
2.	"Highlight (ハイライト Hairaito)"
3.	"skabetty"
4.	"Endroll (エンドロール Endorooru)"
5.	"I F A SURFER"
6.	"Bears (ベアーズ Beaazu)"

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 E(このスピードの先へ, tr. After this Speed)"
2.	"Aoi, Koi, Daidaiiro No Hi (青い、濃い、橙色の日, tr. Blue, Deep and Orange Day)"
3.	"Kaku Iu Mono (かくいうもの, tr. Things Written and Said)"
4.	"She is inside,He is outside"
5.	"Nan Nan (なんなん)"
6.	"World is Yours (ワールド イズ ユアーズ)"

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)"
2.	"Made (Jounetsu Mix) (まで。情熱ミックス)"
3.	"Owari No Hajimari (終わりのはじまり, tr. The Beginning of the End)"
4.	"RAT"
5.	"ONEDAY"
6.	"Cider To Kimi (サイダーと君)"
7.	"Zureru (ズレる)"
8.	"Hikizuru Beat (ひきずるビート)"
9.	"Sanzameku (さんざめく)"

Related links

• Mass of the Fermenting Dregs Official Site
• Mass of the Fermenting Dregs English Official Site
• Mass of the Fermenting Dregs New Official Diary (Japanese)
• Original Mass of the Fermenting Dregs Official Diary (Japanese)

Citations

1. ^ http://translate.google.com.au/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.motfd.com%2Fwebpage%2Fprofile%2Findex.html
2. ^ http://www.nextmusicfromtokyo.com/?page_id=954
3. ^ http://www.nextmusicfromtokyo.com/?page_id=954
4. ^ http://translate.google.com.au/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.motfd.com/&ei=6QzTTOSDFpHevQPmoe3-Dg&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBkQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dwww.motfd.com%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG
5. ^ http://www.tokyohive.com/2010/10/ishimoto-chiemi-to-leave-mass-of-the-fermenting-dregs/
6. ^ http://www.tokyohive.com/2010/10/ishimoto-chiemi-to-leave-mass-of-the-fermenting-dregs/
7. ^ http://www.motfd.com/english/
8. ^ http://www.hmv.co.jp/news/article/801070038