Toro Y Moi
Futuristic Beats, Chillwave, Soul? It’s hard to say which one. I don’t know for sure what I’m hearing, but I like it.
Toro Y Moi gives us Underneath the Pine-– and from the beginning the album offers rich melodies and rhythmic beats. The opening track leads you down the rabbit hole with a mesmerizing instrumental interlude. The second track, New Beat, is full of electronic synthesis creating the illusion that you just stepped on to a seventies dance floor—and you have no choice but to dance in time.
This band has characteristics of several others: Pinback, Grizzly Bear, and Daft Punk. They’re slightly reminiscent of the Beach Boys circa Pet Sounds. With lyrics that are only somewhat intelligible, it’s impossible to get too hung up on the meaning of the songs, which can sometimes be a relief.
Although there are plenty of electronic elements, there is definitely the sense that this album was recorded on a shag rug in a wood paneled room. Yet there are moments when the tempo is kicked up and peppy. They just make you want to move around.
Intro/Chi Chi, (2011.
New Beat, (2011).
Still Sound, (2011).
Good Hold. (2012).
