MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS: MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS
In the span of six tracks, MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS manage to cover a lot of ground on their self-titled debut mini-album.
The duo has been described as "psych-rock", but that label is too limited. In fact, it’s easy to compare each track on the album to a particular band: NUMBER GIRL, mono, unkie, condor44.
It’s the NUMBER GIRL influence that seems most prevalent, especially with producer Dave Fridmann behind the board on the last two tracks ("IF A SURFER" and "Bears"). The thundering drums of SAPPUKEI kick off "IF A SURFER", while a tidal wave of distortion inundates "Bears". The second track, "Highlight", even recalls the syncopated rhythms and thick chords of NUMBER GIRL’s "I don’t know".
But MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS isn’t just a NUMBER GIRL derivative. The 9-minute instrumental "Endroll" demonstrates the more dramatic post-rock side of the group, while "Skabetty" takes a pop approach, with acoustic guitars providing most of the backdrop.
Bassist/singer Miyamoto Naoko favors long melodies, contrasting the chugging fervor of Ishimoto Chiemi’s guitar work. Ishimoto does a fine job harmonizing with Miyamoto, adding sweetness to the band’s hard sound.
The construction of the album is so tight, it’s curious to see whether MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS can keep that clarity over the course of a longer album. The six tracks of this self-titled effort show an incredible diversity without feeling disjointed. As reminiscent as the duo may be to other bands, they still has a very clear sense of themselves.
The Japan Times reports the band has already signed a development deal with EMI Japan. If the cross section of music on this album is any indication, MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS certainly has a promising career ahead.