Outside of Japan, Mass of the Fermenting Dregs were once the adored secret of any in-the-know, internet-scouring and hard-rock-obsessed music nerd. And while, two decades or so later, the alt-rock/post-hardcore band are firmly part of Japan’s respected rock establishment and one of the country’s more revered exports, on Awakening:Sleeping they appeal for the same reasons they always have. Without attempting anything wildly revolutionary, the Dregs simply produce fabulously noisy, constantly mobile, exceptionally well-performed and energetically executed rock music. Crucial to the Dregs’ continued adoration is their consistency – and on Awakening:Sleeping they are, once again, as solid as ever.

Listen to “Dramatic” below.