No discussion of Tokyo underground scene would be complete without mentioning DMBQ. They are the missing link between the much-divided Japanese Noise/Alternative music and garage rock scene. Their Hard Rock/Psychedelic-based music, infused with elements of Noise and Free Improvisation, still unleashes an unstoppable power to embrace the whole spectrum of underground music.
DMBQ was formed around 1988 in Sapporo. By 1990, the band relocated to Tokyo and engaged in genreless activities, with Guitar Wolf, Boredoms and their family, Buffalo Daughter, Merzbow, and Violent Onsen Geisha, etc…
Their sound, which was a complete deviation from the trend at the time, stood out in the local music scene and the band began to garner respect, especially from musicians. They released their first album in 1995 and were soon attracting more and more followers. The band continued to release albums on a regular basisand in 1999, they moved to a major label, Parco/Columbia. In 2001, after 3 albums, they released a remix album “Resonated” featuring old friends Buffalo Daughter, EYE (Boredoms), etc. The following year, they signed a new record deal with Avex Trax, the Japanese biggest major record label. They just recently signed with the American Label Estrus to issue out their first U.S. release. They have toured the country supporting the likes of J.S.B.X., Fugazi, AxCx, Mudhoney, The Dirtbombs, Bob Log III, Coachwhips, and 20 miles, etc.
DMBQ’s rock explosion is not one to be missed. Prepare for a wall of noise,amplification, and rock’n‘roll in its most true form as you listen to DMBQ. They massacre the stage, audience and themselves right before your very eyes.
Creating a sonic wasteland of instruments, they barrage you with a sound reminiscent to Led Zeppelin on acid. Defining that rock’n‘roll is still in fact a forced to be reckoned with, DMBQ stretches the limitations of the human physique as well as the livelihood of their musical equipment with their deranged finales at the end of each show. When asked to explain their music, DMBQ’s only retort is “Yes, we have big problem in our brain.”
After the tragic loss of their drummer, China, in a car accident in 2004 in the midst of a US tour, the band took a break from touring the states. China is dearly missed.
DMBQ returned to the US for CMJ ’08 with their new drummer Shinji Wada (formerly of the King Brothers). The band wowed audiences and landed a two page spread in Spin Magazine. DMBQ are currently in Japan working on their new record will they be shopping around to US labels. Masuko also actively tours as a member of the Boredoms.
