MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS’ long-awaited London debut

Despite being a long-standing staple of Japan’s underground rock scene, you’re more likely to encounter an avid MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS fan in the West than on their home soil. A statement supported by their slew of sold-out performances across Europe this past month.

Formed in 2002 and weathering lineup changes and a hiatus in 2012, Masu Dore (short for MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS) returned in 2015 with renewed vigour, releasing two albums in 2018 and 2022 before embarking on a successful North American tour in 2023. Led by the sole original member, Natsuko Miyamoto, the trio kicked off their first-ever set of UK headline shows (all of which sold out), starting with their London debut, marking the band’s first UK appearance since their inaugural performance on British soil at ArcTanGent Festival 2022.

Taking the stage at Hackney’s EartH Theatre in the east of the city amidst a sea of cheers, Natsuko, now a seasoned performer at 40, exuded awkward charisma in her trademark floaty dress and bare feet. The evening commenced with the gentle allure of ‘Sugar’, swiftly transitioning into the upbeat rhythms of ‘New Order’, setting the tone for an unpredictable long-awaited night.

Throughout the evening, the band treated fans to a repertoire of classics, from the melodious heaviness of ‘Aoi, Koi, Daidai-iro no Hibi’ and ‘World is Yours’ to the thunderous energy of ‘Kakuiumono’ and the epic instrumental ‘End Roll’, clocking in at a weighty nine minutes.

Returning for an encore, the trio unleashed the 2006 fan-favourite post-hardcore track ‘delusionalism’, igniting a final frenzy among the crowd, who eagerly joined in with the anthem’s infectious chants.

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Despite their lengthy career, Masu Dore maintained their raw, unpolished sound, preserving their signature charm with an indie-esque awkwardness. Natsuko, acknowledging the sizable audience, expressed her gratitude, remarking, “My heart is full”, a sentiment echoed by fans who had waited over a decade for this moment.

While the venue’s seated majority may have tempered expectations for a raucous affair, the historic significance of the occasion left no attendee disappointed. As the audience basked in the infectious joy emanating from the stage, it was evident that this was a night to remember—a testament to the enduring passion of both the band and their dedicated following.

As the final bow was taken, one couldn’t help but hope that this performance would mark the beginning of many more Masu Dore shows on UK shores, ushering in a new era of musical appreciation and camaraderie.

Photography by Charles Shepherd

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