DMBQ is a Japanese rock band from Tokyo, whose name stands for Dynamite Masters Blues Quartet.MKCL-002 Fable of Thinnerlemon They are influenced by British and American rock music of the early 1970s, especially bands like The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin.
History DMBQ was formed in Hokkaido in 1989. The founding members were Shinji Masuko (vocals/guitar), Ryuuichi Watanabe (bass), and Yuka Yoshimura (drums). Shinji Masuko is a well-known journalist in Japan who has regular columns in several music, pornography and subculture magazines. He is a younger brother of Naozumi Masuko, who is a member of Dohatsuten. Yuka Yoshimura was also a member of OOIOO and Hatsuiku Status.
DMBQ began performing in Tokyo in early 1990 and quickly gained notoriety for their psychedelic live performances. In 1995, their debut album Dynamite Masters Blues Quartet was released. In 1997, Toru Matsui (guitar) became a member of the band. In 1999, they contracted with PARCO/Columbia and made their major label debut. In 2002, they contracted with avex trax.
In June 2004, they were supposed to start their first American tour, but Yoshimura left the band just before embarking, and Mana Nishiura (also a member of Shonen Knife) became her replacement. In 2005, they contracted with the American label Estrus/Touch and Go, and toured in the United States.
On November 4, 2005, while driving to a show at New York City's Club Exit, Mana Nishiura died when another vehicle crossed lanes and struck the band's van in southern New Jersey. After recovering from their injuries, DMBQ decided to go back to the US (west coast only) for another mini-tour. In February, 2006, Shinji Wada formally assumed DMBQ's drummer duties.
By 2014, Toru Matsui and Ryuichi Watanabe left DMBQ and Maki (formerly of OOIOO) assumed bass duties. They have continued as a three-piece since then. In February 2018, they released their first new album in 13 years, Keeenly, in Japan. After a Japan tour in March 2018 with Ty Segall and the Freedom band, Segall re-released Keeenly on his own label in the United States. Ty Segall said, "There is no band like DMBQ. They are unique destroyers of sound, and lovers of sonic beauty, existing in the places between. Masters of harsh tone and psychotic rhythm. Keeenly is an alien planet type record, evoking images of landscapes and weather patterns found in other galaxies. Purple wind and green fire.”
Related bands Former members of DMBQ have formed the bands Tompei & Bishop and Hydro-Guru. Shinji Masuko has also been a member of Boredoms since 2004 and has also served as an instrument designer and live sound technician for Yamantaka Eye. Masuko also formed a solo project called Moan.
Personnel Current members Shinji Masuko - guitar Shinji Wada - drums (formerly of King Brothers BROTHERS) Maki - bass (formerly of OOIOO)
Former members Mana Nishiura - drums Yuka Yoshimura - drums (formerly of OOIOO, currently in Catsuomaticdeath and Metalchicks) Toru Matsui - guitar Ryuichi Watanabe - bass
Partial discography YearTitleLabel + catalog number1995Dynamite Masters Blues QuartetLess Than TV1996EXPLess Than TV ch-241997COG1998Fable of ThinnerlemonNanophonica MKCL-20021999I Know Your Sweet2000Jinni2001Annular Music2001Resonated (remix album)2002Phalanges2003The Cold One2004 Esoteric Black HairFake Chapter Records2004DMBQ vs. Hysteric Glamour2004Hercules Hits (DMBQ Best)2004You Must Be Psychic (promo one-song EP from 2004 tour)released by the band as a CDR2005The Essential Sounds from the Far EastEstrus Records2018KeeenlyTsukumogami Co. Ltd. on CD in Japan; Drag City/God? on 2xLP in the US
References
External links DMBQ official site Official Myspace page DMBQ performing in Brooklyn DMBQ's Photo Feature in SPIN's Dec. '08 Issue