#patrick jeffords

               (Images taken from Toro y Moi Facebook page)

Chaz Bundick is 23 years old from Columbia, South Carolina. This year he released his first studio album, Causers of This through Carpark Records, and he goes by the name of Toro y Moi. Known for his one-man productions, the multi-instrumentalist is enjoying a steady increase in notoriety in the States, having recently confirmed a support slot with Phoenix, played a high profile spot at this year's South by South West festival, as well as embarking on a European assault. A busy year so far, and undoubtedly, this is just the beginning...

If you were to search Toro y Moi on Youtube, you'd be confronted with loads of live videos of his solo shows, made by fans impressed by both his technical ability and obvious natural talent. Music Listener caught Toro y Moi on a recent UK appearance in Brighton and contrary to expectations after having done such a search, the show provided a three man ensemble rather than the one man show unleashed throughout the US.

Opening track Blessa sets the dynamic of the evening perfectly, with gentle lilts, reverb to the rafters and beautiful bass lines that entrance and capture the audience. Singer, noise merchant and creator Chaz is truly brilliant to watch. Unassuming, yet clearly achingly talented, he plays keyboards, samples and mixes with a fluidity and ease that matches the laid-back nature of the songs. It's great to see how he's not only mastered the plethora of equipment that he uses in his tracks, but also to see how rhythmic he is about it, combining modern day production with a more traditional vision of a DJ. His unique vocals and reverberations are atmospheric and entrancing, providing a really rich, textured, interesting sound.

              The addition of two live instrumentalists, bassist Patrick Jeffords and drummer Andy Woodward was a phenomenal move. Two extremely capable musicians, they add a depth and vibe to the music that helps the tracks to move away from the 'chillwave' label that the music seems to have been brushed with. The live sound with these guys takes the tracks in more of a party direction than the recorded version, the drums are driving, the bass is all-consuming, and the overall sound is exquisite. The live rhythm section gets the crowd moving and swaying, as Chaz works his vocal and sampling magic over the top.

After seeing the band perform at Brighton venue The Hope, Music Listener was lucky enough to catch them again at East London's Field Day Festival. Performing in the XOXO/Lock Tavern tent in a well placed evening spot, the band played to a packed tent and an adoring crowd who were impressed to the point that, at the end of the set they demanded (sadly, unsuccessfully) an encore.

Something really striking about Toro y Moi's shows is the diversity of the crowd they attract. The audiences witnessed at these two shows weren't necessarily representative of the super-trendy musical socialites that appeared to be drawn to other shows of similar musical genres, but of men and women, girls and boys of various ages, demeanours and musical interests. People that already knew every word of every song, off by heart, true fans of the music rather than of the idea of the band being 'the next big thing'.

Toro y Moi - Talamak

And the reason for this is the quality and integrity of the songs. Each and every track from 'Causers of This' is so heart wrenchingly attractive, that everyone that stumbles upon the songs will unfailingly fall for them, fast and hard. The music is accessible, whilst retaining its intelligence and modesty. In addition, Bundwick is beautifully submerged in what he does and a very confident performer. With such a great record to promote, and such talented musicians now adding to the live line-up, Toro y Moi are going to do extremely well, and I get the impression that it's all going to happen very fast. Not only are they working their way up the ranks in the 'chillwave' (please note that Music Listener doesn't usually endorse the use of such pigeon-holing terms!) world, but fans of other genres of music are cottoning on, fans of electronica, soul, dance, fans of production, fans of intelligently crafted live musicianship. Such mass appeal will draw big, big crowds and undoubtedly give Toro y Moi the attention and success that they unequivocally deserve.