KRVX

Being the huge geek that I am, I always pine over what my favorite part of
listening to a Toro Y Moi record is. They’re always conceptually charged,
historically inspired, and intricately self-produced albums, which is a treat
for aspiring musicians especially. Chazwick Bundick, the man behind the
music, seems to love taking his listeners through different musical time
periods, such as the 90’s hip-hop/J Dilla influenced Causers of This, and an
ingenious blend of 70’s disco revival and Pierro Umiliani on Underneath The
Pine. Promising an album of “sincere pop,” Bundick offers his own take on
today’s mainstream pop on Anything In Return. Tracks “Harm In Change”
and “Rose Quartz” sound dance/house influenced, while “Cola,” “Grown Up
Calls,” and “Day One” have smooth R&B grooves and absolutely crazy vocal
hooks. Seriously, I don’t know how he comes up with them. “High Living,”
one of my personal favorites, has a Stevie Wonder feel, with wacky keys,
an enigmatic synth lead, and an easygoing rhythm to vibe with your stoner
buddy to (it’s also 4:20 long). He seems to have had a lot of fun with this
record, which is an essential recipe for this genre; he even made a Bieber-
esque song (“Cake”) that I actually enjoy… no shame. Bundick builds upon his
production with each release, but what’s even better is that his songwriting
has improved massively. There’s a story being told here, and the tracks
are selectively placed to do this. To me, this is a concept album about a
relationship, and there are doubts, jealousies, falling-outs, and memories.
But through it all, it was still a special experience that the couple will never
forget. I’ve never been in a relationship, but after listening to this record,
maybe it’s time to try.