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Archive for the ‘Mass of the Fermenting Dregs’ Category

[DID NOT ATTEND: October 8, 2024] Mass of the Fermenting Dregs / Young Statues

I saw Mass of Fermenting Dregs last year and the show was amazing.  It was at Underground Arts and it was packed and the crowd was insane.  I was really looking forward to seeing them at Union Transfer.  I knew a bigger stage would lead to an even better show (and better sight lines as I was too far back at UA).

And then Kishi Bashi announced his Philly show was going to be the same night.  And since my wife and I love Kishi Bashi, he took precedence.

The Kishi Bashi show was great, but I’m bummed to have missed MotD.  (Although looking at the setlist, it was mostly the same show.  But I still would have enjoyed it!). (more…)

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[ATTENDED: November 17, 2023] Mass of the Fermenting Dregs

I found out about Mass of the Fermenting Dregs when I saw a big announcement that the band had sold out the Kung Fu Necktie and the show was being moved to Underground Arts.  They sold out KFN in a couple of weeks.  I checked them out and, discovered that despite their name, they are not a hardcore/noise band.  Indeed, they are super poppy and delightful.

Their own bio says

MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS is a Japanese alternative rock band formed in Kobe City, Japan. In 2007, they won the best artist of EMI Music Japan’s new comer audition and recorded their songs with Dave Fridman at Tarbox road Studio in USA. After they released their 1st album in 2008, they rapidly climbed the alternative-rock ladder in Japan. The band once paused their activities in 2012 then reunion in 2017. The current lineup consists of Natsuko Miyamoto (Vocal & Bass) , Naoya Ogura (Guitar & Backing vocal) and Isao Yoshino (Drums & Backing vocal). Known for their energetic, hair-flailing live shows and melodic, guitar driven pop sound, they are still one of the most exciting and attracted act in Japan.

In Japanese their name is Masu obu za Fāmentingu Doreggusus so the band’s name is shortened to Masu Dore–although I didn’t hear anyone call them that.

I mean, how to pass this up.  This was, as I understand it, their first time playing Philadelphia.  And the crowd was there in full support.

I arrived a little before the opening band went on and the place was PACKED (this almost never happens).  I couldn’t get as close as I wanted to, which was a real shame.

Bu after a few songs, when the full on pit started up, I was pushed far away anyhow, so I guess it doesn’t really matter.

What I enjoyed about this show was that fans were shouting things to them in Japanese and they were answering in Japanese.  No idea what was being said, but it was so cool to overhear. (more…)

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[ATTENDED: November 17, 2023] Cam Kahin

Cam Kahin is a twenty something Torontonian who, at this show at least, looked a lot like Phil Lynott (mustache included).

It sounded like the band he had with him was a touring band, but they were in pretty great synchronicity–with both the bassist and guitarist seeming very excited to be playing.

His songs were catchy and leaned toward the heavy end of alt rock.  With songs like “Wat Are You Waiting For” having pauses for heavy guitars to punctuate the choruses.  Although some of the songs started off quietly while he softly sang lyrics like

Take my phone
Throw it down the river
Take my smokes
Flush ’em down the drain

He spent most of the time between the songs trying to get the crowd to start moving.  I have to admit that I didn’t think Mass of the Fermenting Dregs were all that mosh-based, so I didn’t really think the opening band would get that kind of response either,  But there was a small section of the crowd who were bouncing enough for their liking–the group received several shout outs.

I enjoyed the simple repetition of the chorus of “in around” which reminded me of old punk songs in style (but not sound).

Nothing in the song was stand-out original, but his use of older ideas was cool.  Like the simple echoed three note riff (and then later a repeated two-note riff) in “try again.”  Super catchy.

“Queen St.” mellowed things out a bit with a kind of rapping delivery.  Although there was some great crowd interaction with our helping out on the “oh-oh” during the chorus.

Then he asked if it was okay if the final two songs were much heavier.  And yes, of course it was.  He introduced “birds” and was probably confused as to why everyone shouted “go birds” at him.  That song and the absolutely blistering “nicotine” ended his set on a high, heavy note as the songs crashed through the crowd.  The lead guitarist also jumped into the crowd (after, I assume, telling Cam that’s what he was going to do).

I didn’t know Kahin before this show, but it was a great set and his music still resonates.

  1. Junky
  2. compass
  3. what are you waiting for
  4. in, around
  5. try again
  6. queen st
  7. birds
  8. nicotine

⊕ When It’s All Over (2023)
⇓ Let It Sink In (2022)

 

MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS is a Japanese alternative rock band formed in Kobe City, Japan. In 2007, they won the best artist of EMI Music Japan’s new comer audition and recorded their songs with Dave Fridman at Tarbox road Studio in USA. After they released their 1st album in 2008, they rapidly climbed the alternative-rock ladder in Japan. The band once paused their activities in 2012 then reunion in 2017. The current lineup consists of Natsuko Miyamoto (Vocal & Bass) , Naoya Ogura (Guitar & Backing vocal) and Isao Yoshino (Drums & Backing vocal). Known for their energetic, hair-flailing live shows and melodic, guitar driven pop sound, they are still one of the most exciting and attracted act in Japan.

Cam Kahin

As a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, Cam has been pouring out his own experiences and emotions into his music. Cam has been playing music since he was 12 years old and has been developing his skill set ever since. His music leans toward an experimental/alternative-rock sound, from which he says is due to his upbringing listening to bands such as Radiohead, Cage the Elephants, and Biffy Clyro.

 

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