ALBUM REVIEW: “Underneath the Pine” Toro Y Moi

Toro Y Moi
Underneath the Pine
Carpark

Laptop musicians are a relatively new fad due to the easy accessibility that all of us have to a decent computer with some adequate software. It’s probably why the first time I happened to see Toro Y Moi (Chazwick Bundick) I dismissed the band completely.

The second hand store glasses. The unshaven neck beard. The unbent brim of an old baseball cap. And worst of all, the band of two members were armed with just a Mac laptop and synth*.  It wasn’t “real music” to me, and honestly I can’t remember the music at all from that evening.

So, I can accurately tell you that I was looking forward to listening to Underneath the Tree. Luckily, it’s good. The upbeat and sometime strange collection of 11 songs are reminiscent of Beach Boy harmonies and psychedelic backdrops. Chromeo sound-alikes, so to speak.

It’s a great listen, though can be distracting at times when Bundick decides to hum over his carefully crafted music in odd keys. Sometimes, I wish he’d just stick to that laptop. They’re on tour spring 2011.

*It’s quite possible they had a drummer that night. I think I blocked it out.

Recommended Tracks:

“How I Know,” “Still Sound,” “Light Black” and “New Beat”