Wandering Birds

Hard-hitting funk from Japan’s Soul Media combo, showcasing one of their standout 1970s releases featuring the enigmatic vocalist Sammy. Sammy delivers a gritty, raw vocal style—at times reminiscent of Janis Joplin, but also drawing inspiration from the American underground scene. Her voice meshes perfectly with the band’s powerful sound, especially when they dive into trippy or more experimental territory. The drums hit hard, the electric instruments are tightly woven, and the horn section adds an extra layer of punch and energy. Highlights from the album include “After Noon,” “On The Grass,” “Wandering Birds,” “Parajika,” and “Hyakunen Tattara.”