toe

Japanese group toe are a primarily instrumental rock quartet from Tokyo. Often categorized as post-rock or math rock, their free-flowing, highly melodic songs feature splashy yet tightly controlled drumming and dynamic guitar interplay, as well as occasional electronic elements and additional instruments such as vibraphone and Rhodes piano. Rather than having an expansive, cinematic, crescendo-heavy style similar to bands like Explosions in the Sky, toe have more of an angular, guitar-driven sound reminiscent of groups such as Ghosts and Vodka and Euphone. Restless live performers, toe have toured at home and abroad with bands like Mogwai and Envy, in addition to notable appearances at festivals such as Japan's Fuji Rock Festival. Having established their jazz-influenced instrumental sound with several EPs and full-lengths, including 2005's The Book About My Idle Plot on a Vague Anxiety, toe incorporated more vocals on later releases such as 2024's Now I See the Light.