TOE Vinyl & CDs

Review: Toe's latest release is an impressive and intricate offering in the post-rock/math-rock genre, showing the band's ability to craft technically complex yet soothing music. With more textured instrumentation than in previous albums, the band experiments with a variety of sounds, including acoustic and electric guitars, marimbas, and synths, while also incorporating vocals in select tracks. This broader palette enhances the richness of their compositions, blending tight rhythms with emotional melodies. Tracks like 'After Image' and 'Goodbye' exemplify the band's capacity to weave lyrical elements seamlessly into their instrumental fabric, creating a chilled yet engaging atmosphere. The drumming, often at the forefront, steals the show with its dynamic precision, propelling the album forward without overwhelming the overall sound. It's a standout feature, providing both energy and nuance throughout the record. Influences ranging from King Crimson to Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell are evident, though Toe maintains their own distinctive voice. The controlled interplay between instruments is both intricate and meditative, a balance between individual technicality and the collective structure of the compositions. This album solidifies Toe's reputation as a band pushing boundaries while maintaining a highly listenable and relaxed vibe.

Review: Few cities rival Portland in terms of the concentration of top quality independent record labels. And its native Topshelf Records is an absolute treasure trove of local and international talent, with the likes of Cool American, Eerie Summer and now Toe from their roster real standouts. The Tokyo-based post rock band - who produce mainly instrumental music - started out in the year 2000 and have gone on to release half a dozen EPs and four albums. It was obvious from the start that they had what it takes to be in this game for the long haul. This, their first EP, originally released in 2003, is now getting its fourth pressing. It's an idiosyncratic listen: there's nods to the likes of the genre's trailblazers (Explosions in The Sky and Mogwai), but also a truly distinctive drumming style. It's almost as if polyrhythmic legend Tony Allen was behind the kit at times. You hear these unorthodox, stylish fills underpinning the contemplative, beautifully affecting guitar tones and it works brilliantly.

Review: Now I See The Light is the comeback album from often-overlooked Japanese math rock pioneers Toe. As the title suggests, the blissful, meditative soundscapes offer listeners a refreshing perspective, providing the emotional grounding needed to view life through a renewed lens. Toe exemplifies modesty in their artistic expression. Their music, characterised by intricate instrumental subtleties, reflects a reserved demeanour, paralleling their minimalist online presence. Their focus remains solely on creating music, naturally attracting those who truly appreciate their craft. Discovering toe is thus a serendipitous experience. Blending elements of post-rock, pop, jazz, electronic and ambient genres, toe has crafted a sound that feels both seamless and cohesive. The album opens with '????', enveloping the listener in the warm embrace of intricate guitar harmonies, akin to a comforting reunion. The band's chemistry radiates through each hypnotic rhythm, reflecting their strong bond. Though primarily instrumental, tracks like 'Loneliness Will Shine' feature tender vocals from guitarist Yamazaki Hirokazu. His airy voice enhances the beautiful instrumentals, creating a captivating atmosphere reminiscent of Dredg's El Cielo. The placement of these vocal tracks within the album ensures a well-balanced pacing, making it feel neither purely instrumental nor vocal. The pristine audio quality of the album allows every detail to shine. '??????' exemplifies this, with carefully panned elements creating an amazing depth. Despite its clarity, the production maintains a human touch, avoiding sterility and instead feeling authentic. What stands out most about toe is the unwavering authenticity woven into their music. There are no gimmicks or over-the-top embellishments, just pure auditory bliss from beginning to end. After a nine-year hiatus, it's as if they seamlessly continued their musical journey, allowing us to experience the light they bring to the world. The CD includes a poster, adding an extra touch for fans.

Review: Tokyo-based post/math-rock noodlers Toe have a habit of cleansing the palette of each subsequent full-length they release with a follow up EP. Just like 2005's debut album The Book About My Idle Plot On A Vague Anxiety was followed up with 2006's New Sentimentality EP, the group would return three years on from their stellar 2009 sophomore effort For Long Tomorrow with 2012's The Future Is Now. From the twinkling emo-inflected shoegazing noodles of 'Run For Word' to the more acoustic-driven psych-jazz of 'Ordinary Days', the four cuts purposefully meander and fuse differing elements from the band's arsenal whilst somehow increasing the dense technicality to absurd, near impenetrable levels.