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Mass of the Fermenting Dregs at The Phoenix Concert Theatre

Writer's picture: Shawn GouralnikShawn Gouralnik

Updated: Nov 4, 2024

Mass of the Fermenting Dregs pictured after their show in Toronto on October 3rd, 2024.

The Phoenix Concert Theatre is tucked away in the Cabbagetown neighborhood, survived multiple attempts at being turned into condominiums, and is largely unassuming with its gray facade and singular sign pointing to its existence. Those who have been there, however, will tell you it is a bastion for some of the most creative, exciting, and diverse artists that grace Toronto with a tour date. On October 3rd, 2024, I saw Mass of the Fermenting Dregs perform at Phoenix, and was utterly blown away, and I was reminded of the special nature of the Phoenix as an institution of Toronto’s concert scene.


The process of getting inside is intimidating, a buzz surrounds the venue with a line that wraps around the block. A diverse audience lined up dressed in band shirts ranging from recent Toronto visitors like Charli XCX and Clairo, niche local bands, and especially other Japanese artists which I couldn’t identify. Mass of the Fermenting Dregs have been touring for over 20 years now, and have amassed an international cult following, largely due to the dissemination of their music through music boards and forums dating all the way back to their formation in 2002. Websites like Rate Your Music and 4chan’s /mu/ board have raved about Mass’ gorgeous, wall-of-sound arrangements, melodic vocals, and beautiful album covers, which lend to aesthetic inclusions in users’ topster charts and album posts. 


Unfortunately, I missed the first opener, Sleepwalk. Toronto local Cam Kahin, who had been touring with Mass for this leg of the tour, announced this was their last show before departing the tour. They opened with a familiar emo vocal tone reminiscent of Turnstile, lending to a skater punk aesthetic which clashed with their rather well kept appearances. They graced the stage with an energetic presence as they opened with a single titled Nicotine. Cam has amazing vocal range, driving rhythmically from emotional, harsh and poetic vocal lines to a beautiful singing voice that clearly shows off his chops. The crowd was super into Cam Kahin and the band, especially by the 6th song, Queen Street, keeping in the Toronto punk spirit of references to our highways in their song lyrics. They finished their set with Birds, the most wide ranging and emotional song from their EP. The lyrics are raw and unfiltered, dealing with themes such as, self destructive relationships, desperation for change, and confronting mental health challenges in a way that left a lasting impression on me. The crowd was thoroughly warmed up for Mass by the time Cam’s set finished. 


Check out Cam showing off his vocal range below:

Mass began their show by saying goodbye to the summer, playing one of their lightest, brightest songs, Dramatic. Immediately, anyone familiar with Mass’ music is struck by just how true to the recording Natsuko Miyamoto’s vocals are. She has perfect vocal control with just the right amount of reverb in the mix to make her sound heavenly. Those looking forward to hearing the heavy, overwhelming guitars Mass is famous for wouldn’t be disappointed however, as just 2 songs later, Guitarist Naoya Ogura stepped on something like 7 pedals and began Aoi, Koi, Daidaiiro No Hi, one of Mass’ biggest hits thanks to a nod by the Youtube algorithm years ago. Featuring a famously propulsive bassline by Natsuko and drum fills provided by Energizer Bunny drummer Isao Yoshino. It was clear this track was a crowd favourite, as people who I was pretty sure couldn’t speak Japanese belted every word in the mosh pit. The band stopped to thank the audience a number of times throughout the show, with Natsuko letting us know she’d been practicing her English on Duolingo every day since the tour began. Another flip switched when the band began 9 minute epic End Roll, a jammy, hypnotic instrumental track which crescendos to a beautiful vocal harmonization which features all three of the band members belting out over an emotional guitar line. I could see people all around me with their eyes closed, taking in every detail that Mass adds to their performance. Mass finished their show off with an encore performance of Delusionalism - a punk-inspired finale that caused more moshing and crowd activity than all their previous songs combined, leaving the energetic audience particularly bruised. 

Mass lived up to their expectations as the noisy, hard hitting hardcore namesakes of Japanese shoegaze. Mass is due for another 11 shows in this stretch of their North American tour. I was also pleasantly surprised by Cam Kahin, who you can find here. Also, stay tuned for a Drop Nineteens concert review coming at the end of the month.

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