The Third Eye

If you read The Third Eye regularly, you know by now that we’re pumped about a new debut album from the Japanese psych-rockers Tō Yō. 

We’ve premiered one of the singles (here), included them on a Spotify playlist of best Japanese psychedelic rock (here), and included them on our list of best psychedelic music from August 2023 (here). We figured we might as well review the new album, too, which – trust me – sounds even better on vinyl.

The Tokyo-based psychedelic group known as Tō Yō released their debut record, Stray Birds From the Far East, via King Volume Records on August 18th, 2023, and as you may have already guessed, it is why we’re here today. 

About Tō Yō And Stray Birds From The Far East

Tō Yō has a unique sound their Bandcamp page describes as “a dreamy, pop-infused psych/acid rock concept album about nostalgia for a place yet to be discovered.” While their sound may be unique, it also has a familiar tone, which will help people from across the globe connect with their music. 

“Our psychedelic sound is at times violent and at times naive,” says vocalist and guitarist Masami Makinom, “but we also believe our sound is meant to awaken the most primitive senses to sublimate the rise of the soul and its uncontrollable impulses.”

Aside from those quotes, I feel compelled to add that Tō Yō injects the sounds of their Asian culture into these songs while staying true to the psychedelic sounds of the American bands during the 1960s.

The Songs

1. Soaring (05:11)

This was the first bit of music I heard from Tō Yō, making me an instant fan. There is an overtone of Japanese musical culture that spans the length of the song, yet a familiar psych sound permeates the proceedings. This is especially true of the slow midsection, where the band heavily leans into the atmospheric qualities of the genre. Overall, the groove is strong, the vocals are intoxicating, and the guitars are light and airy, making this the perfect start to a splendid record.

2. Hyu Dororo (04:27)

Here, we find Tō Yō experimenting with a bit of a jazz influence, effortlessly infusing it into their core sound. As with all of these songs, the bass guitar sticks out, carrying the track while the guitars apply trippy and infectious psychedelic passages. This is another outstanding track from beginning to end. 

3. Twin Mountains (03:41)

Here, we have the shortest of the six tracks but also the one with a bit more of an edge when compared to its brothers. This is due to a couple of guitar parts with a darker, fuzzier sound, and the vibe they add meshes nicely with Tō Yō’s psych sound. 

4. Tears Of The Sun (06:05)

I adore the sounds that we hear on this track. Tō Yō employs a decidedly Asian approach that serves as the main melody, yet there is, as mentioned before, a slight American psych style to be heard. If I’m being totally honest, this is the best song on the record. The band grooves, shakes, and quakes for this instrumental’s entire six-minute runtime, utilizing every trick in their bag and then some. One of my favorite parts is where they begin upping the tempo and intensity, heading into the final section with an incredibly infectious gusto.

5. Titania Skyline (04:44)

I’m not as into this one as the others, but that may be partially due to it following “Tears Of The Sun.” That’s how it would feel if Nickelback had to play after Slayer decimated the stage and audience; it won’t measure up. That’s not to say that this is a bad song, but the only part I truly enjoyed was the last ninety seconds. 

6. Li Ma Li (06:18)

The final track vindicates things after the letdown of “Titania Skyline.” The bass guitar lays down a solid groove with a memorable line that acts as the main support for the other instruments, but the combination of everything helps to make this song special. Remember how stoked I was about “Tears Of The Sun”? Well, “Li Ma Li” comes very close to matching it. 

Final Thoughts

Stray Birds From The Far East is a hell of an album. The way Tō Yō blends their Asian sounds with their American psychedelic influences helps to create an engaging and delightful musical journey. I recommend this album to anyone who enjoys a unique approach to psych and music in general. So get on out there, and let Tō Yō take you into their world for the duration of Stray Birds From The Far East! Enjoy!

Support Tō Yō by finding them on Bandcamp or social media (Instagram).

Support King Volume Records by finding them on Bandcamp or social media (Facebook, Instagram).

This review was written by Tom Hanno, who has been writing reviews for the last 7 years but has been sharing his love of music for the majority of his life. Originally starting out at the now-defunct Chimera Magazine, he is currently contributing to Doomed and Stoned, The Sleeping Shaman, The Doom Charts, Tom’s Reviews, and The Third Eye. Read more of Tom’s reviews by checking out his Linktree.

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