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	2002-2012, 2015-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 Fāmentingu 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.

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.

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. Her leaving was due to a medical panic disorder. Ishimoto's last performance was held at the Shibuya Club Quattro. 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.