Toro y Moi - Causers of This (2010, Carpark)

Toro y Moi - Causers of This
(2010, Carpark)

January isn’t even over yet and already can I present to you the sound of 2010. Chillwave will turn the tables this year. This up and coming genre making smart use of nostalgia and hipster imagery combined with influences like Animal Collective and 80s synth music is sure to grow a lot bigger in the following months. Every aspect fits perfectly with communities like Pitchfork who seem to be making out what’s popular these days. Well we can’t blame Toro y Moi for this cause this dude is only interested in making some very chill and catchy music. In this project we hear Chaz Bundick fusing everything ranging from lo-fi to synth pop. The created sound is something totally new but at the same time sounding very familiar. Nostalgia is kicking in when the 80s synthesizers are combined with the hazy echoed vocals and ambient textures. I can already imagine the sun setting while I’m cruising the Miami beach on a skateboard. This highly associative feeling in chillwave seems to be one of it’s strengths. There are no defined time measures, rhythms or a rule-book for making this music but all of the records seem to tap into the same vibe of nostalgia. Where Causers of This shines among the others is it’s vocal strength. Reminding a lot of other big shots in the echoed vocal-style like Panda Bear and any other Animal Collective related project Bundick manages to hypnotize and make the sun shine with his soothing voice. While every track presents new elements and other feelings this is one of the most cohesive albums I’ve heard in ages. Total highlights of the album are Minors & Thanks Vision but every track is a gem. Already a compete for the 2010 yearlist. If you can enjoy any of the following things you should go check out this album and chillwave in general: dream pop, lo-fi, Miami, walks on the beach, lollipops, shoegaze, hazy Sunday afternoons, sunglasses and icecreams.