Mass of the Fermenting Dregs
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | January 1, 2002 in Kobe, Japan |
| Founder | Natsuko Miyamoto, Chiemi Ishimoto, Reiko Gotoh |
| Defunct | September 1, 2012 |
| Fate | Disbanded in 2012; reunited in 2015 |
| Headquarters | Kobe , Japan |
Area served | Japan, Canada, United States, Europe |
Key people | Natsuko Miyamoto, Chiemi Ishimoto, Isao Yoshino |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Number of employees | 3 (core members) (Various (2002–present)) |
| Website | massofthefermentingdregs |
is a trio from Japan specializing in post-hardcore and shoegaze genres, established in Kobe in 2002. Also recognized by the abbreviation , their music is characterized by meticulously crafted guitar arrangements, melodic vocal lines, and dynamic live shows.
Following the release of their eponymous EP in January 2008, they secured a contract with the Japanese independent label Avocado Records. From their second EP onward, they have produced four full-length albums, initially through Avocado and subsequently either independently or under Flake Sounds.
Formation and early years
Mass of the Fermenting Dregs originated in 2002 in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, initially formed as an all-female trio comprising Natsuko Miyamoto, Chiemi Ishimoto, and Reiko Gotoh. The band's name was crafted by blending words favored by the members.[1] After Reiko’s departure in October 2007, Natsuko and Chiemi continued with a rotating lineup of support drummers. Their significant breakthrough occurred during the 2007 "Road to Tarbox Audition" hosted by EMI Japan, which led to collaboration with American producer Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, OK Go) at Tarbox Road Studios. Fridmann produced two tracks—"I F A Surfer" and "Bears" (ベアーズ)—that were included on their 2008 EP. In 2010, support drummer Isao Yoshino was officially added as a member prior to the release of their major label debut.[2]
Chiemi Ishimoto’s exit
Guitarist Chiemi Ishimoto announced her departure in October 2010 after six years with the group, culminating in a final national tour that ended on 11 December 2010. Her decision was influenced by a medical condition involving panic disorder. Ishimoto’s last show took place at Shibuya Club Quattro, where Chatmonchy’s Eriko Hashimoto attended and later recounted her impressions of the band’s closing performance of "End Roll" on her personal blog.
Isao Yoshino’s departure
In December 2011, Isao Yoshino left the ensemble for reasons that were not publicly disclosed, leaving Natsuko Miyamoto as the only original member remaining active.
Band dissolution
Although Miyamoto continued to perform with supporting musicians into spring 2012, she officially declared the band’s disbandment on 1 September 2012. As a parting gesture, Miyamoto released "たんたんたん" (tantantan), recorded alongside Yoshino, which was made available for download through the official website.
Reunion and recent activities (2015–present)
In December 2015, updates to M.o.F.D’s website along with hints from Miyamoto’s Twitter account indicated the band’s revival. This was confirmed when they appeared at the New Year’s Q2 Concert. In May 2016, they embarked on a tour across three Canadian cities as part of the "Next Music From Tokyo" concert series.
On 1 August 2022, M.o.F.D revealed plans for a new album titled Awakening:Sleeping, scheduled for digital release on 17 August and physical CD release on 7 October via FLAKE RECORDS. They also announced intentions to tour Europe the following year. On 9 September, they supported HARU NEMURI at WWW X Shibuya before commencing their second tour across the United States.
Musical style and inspirations
Their sound is frequently likened to seminal Japanese post-hardcore bands such as Number Girl. They share connections with the alternative/progressive rock group 9mm Parabellum Bullet, having toured together in early 2009. Their English-language website cites influential Western alternative rock acts including Sugar, The Wedding Present, and The Smashing Pumpkins as key influences on their songwriting approach.
Current lineup
- – lead vocals and bass guitar (since 2002)
- – guitar and vocals (since 2010)
- – drums and vocals (2007–2011, resumed 2015–present)
Past members
- – drums and backing vocals (2002–2007)
- – guitar and backing vocals (2002–2010)
Discography
Kirametal (demo) – independently released on 15 September 2006
MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS – launched on 16 January 2008 under AVOCADO Records
World Is Yours (ワールド イズ ユアーズ Waarudo Izu Yuaazu) – issued on 21 January 2009 via AVOCADO Records
Hikizuru Beat / Made. (ひきずるビート / まで。 Hikizuru bīto/ made.) – released on 2 October 2010 through AVOCADO Records
ゼロコンマ、色とりどりの世界 – published on 8 April 2010 by AVOCADO Records
たんたんたん – digitally available from official website starting 9 January 2012
スローモーションリプレイ – released as a 7" Vinyl on 3 January 2017
No New World – independently released on 7 April 2018
Naked Album – independently issued on 14 August 2020
Awakening:Sleeping – released through FLAKE SOUNDS on 17 August 2022
LIVE IN JAPAN – independently launched on 1 March 2024