Toro Y Moi - June 2009 (7" vinyl box set, CD)

This is a collection of more “lo-fi” songs recorded by Chaz Bundick in the summer of 2009 alongside the commercially released Toro Y Moi stuff so while it's still got many of their trademarks it's a slightly rougher, bouncier synthy indiepop going on here to what I've previously heard of them. The Malkmus-meets-Passion Pit-isms of 'Take the L to Leave' are pushing my buttons and there's a lot of charm and style to these songs. Given their description in the press release as being “lo-fi” the recordings sound really good, lots of interesting electronic and synth tones going on in the top end, nice chunky bass tone, bit of jangly guitar and simple fat programmed drums. I'm liking the ghostly reverb-drenched falsetto backing vocals that glide over the 'Thriller' style bass groove and soft funk guitars of 'Drive South'. 'Sad Sams' is kind of reminding me of that first Washed Out record which is no bad thing. If you're a fan already I don't think this'll disappoint. In fact Phil just said it's his favourite thing of theirs to date. Available on both CD and not-at-all-a-ballache-to-listen-to 7” box set formats.