THE BOOK ABOUT MY IDLE PLOT ON A VAGUE ANXIETY

When I think of math rock, I think of high energy and extremely complex passages of music, often with large amounts of abrasive qualities and distortion, along with a certain hyperactivity. This makes Toe a very interesting case, fusing the complexity of math rock with teh atmospheric qualities of post rock, leading to rapidly changing time signatures being made into some incredibly relaxing music. While each song has a very similar feel to it, it ends up working quite well here, sounding more like an extended passage taking on various rhythmic patterns than a collection of songs.

From the short opening track, you're immediately made fully aware that there will be a lot of focus on rhythm, strting off with crackling, seemingly off beat notes before introducing other elements until it becomes an edm style beat. After this, the rest of the album follows a similar kind of sound, one involving each note feeling perfectly calculated, especially the drumming, which is genuinely some of the greatest I've heard, being incredibly fast and technical, keeping a good amount of variation, but also showing the perfect amount of restraint. The album is in a constant state of being perfectly on the line just before devolving into excess, but never hits that point, instead maintaining a high level of excellence througout, with each song being led primarily by this simply incredible rhythm section. It amazes me how such incredible technicality can manage to morph into music that I could see myself comfortably dozing off to. All I Understand is that I Don't Understand is one of the best tracks here, with soft riffs playing off each other meticulously, sounding like a complex indie rock track more than anything else, but being so lovely in the process. C is probably the most energetic tracl here on the other hand, with a really cool, strange drum beat, and some of the most focus on the guitar elements, along with a really groovy, prominent bassline. I really don't feel like I can say much more about this album without beginning to repeat myself, each song shares very similar features with one another, but are all played exceptionally well, even if it does lead to some issue with memorability and a slightly repetitive feeling by the end, not that it is enough to majorly detract from this album.

I find the middle ground taken here between the expansive, softer aspects of post rock and the excessive, wildly technical nature of math rock to work exquisitely, as it balances these in such a wy where neither overpowers the other, all topped off by some out of this world drumming. The one issue I do have is how the album is definitely somewhat one note, but despite that it's still highly enjoyable, as well as quite easy to listen to. I'd recommend this album to a fairly wide range of people, namely those who like chill music, as I think you'd have at least a passing interest in this album.

Best songs: All I Understand Is That I Don't Understand, C, Everything Means Nothing

Weakest songs: none

Verdict: Surprisingly soft, melodic math rock that I'd honestly recommend for anyone who likes relaxing music to listen to, as it provides an element of beauty, while also being an incredible display of technicality.