Are you ready from some lush nostalgic psychedelic 70s funk? Of course you are. Toro Y Moi delivers a groovy album perfect for spring and summer cruisin’.
The album starts out with scream of engines revving in the energetic “What You Want”. The funk starts in track two “Buffalo”. The synth, bass and rhythmic delivery of lyrics makes your head bob. The chorus is super catchy with a jangly guitar backdrop. “Empty Nesters” pulses with guitars, layers of synths and an infectious groove. My personal favorite track on the album is “Lilly”. With a slightly slower tempo, echoed vocals and repetitive synths it evokes a Todd Rundgren vibe. But it doesn’t stop there, the chorus turns into a dreamy psychedelic wave of sound. The combination between the two styles keeps the listener intrigued from beginning to end. “Spell It Out” kicks the funk back up a notch with falsetto vocals and heavy reverb on the guitar riffs. “Run Baby Run” is a sweet early 60s influenced track which sounds a little out of place with all the 70s funk going on. Nonetheless it is nice addition which shows off Chaz’s lovely melodic pipes.
What For? is by no means prophetic or innovative but it is enjoyable nonetheless. It’s a little impersonal but it’s upbeat, funky and instantly likable.
Recommended If You Like: Neon Indian, Washed Out, Tame Impala
Recommended Tracks: 2 (Buffalo), 4 (Empty Nesters), 6! (Lilly), 7 (Spell it Out), 9 (Run Baby Run), 8 (Half Dome)
Do Not Play: None
Written by Emilie Stafford on 04/20/2015