Toro y Moi certainly earned their double stint, Friday-Saturday shows at SF’s Independent for Noise Pop 2013. Both shows quickly sold-out, leaving a number of badge holders frustrated and wind-chilled outside on Divisidero. Toro’s 2013 LP Anything in Return has become one of my favorite albums of the year already. And, personally, I’ve eagerly anticipated catching the live versions of “So Many Details”, “Rose Quartz”, “Grown Up Calls” and a handful of other tracks for weeks now. I was not alone here, as the Saturday sold-out show seemed extra “sold-out” and nobody bailed early on Toro’s set.
First off, it’s incredible how far Chaz Bundick has come as both a musician and a performer. No need to kick the “chillwave” horse even more, but sonically, just listening to the development from 2009’s “Blessa” to 2011’s “New Beat” to this year’s “So Many Details” demonstrates Chaz’ commitment to his personal evolution. Viewing the scene inside the Independent before show time, it was fairly surreal to reflect that Toro y Moi was an insular, laptop project just a few years ago.
Chaz & Co started the set with “Rose Quartz” and near instantly, it became clear that the band would far exceed my expectations for their live translations. The packed, sweaty, eager, dancing crowd added to the effect, but Toro’s newly developed light show took things to the next level. Perhaps I simply didn’t anticipate the band ratcheting up their material in concert setting, but I was utterly overwhelmed, in a good way. Chaz obviously spends a great deal of time focusing on tones, production and the sonic quality of his work, but it seemed his hired guns were equally aware of this dedication. While Toro y Moi often gets pigeoned with the “chillwave” or “headphones music” tags, I repeatedly heard audience members dropping “upbeat”, “dancey” and “fun” regarding the set. I heard similar remarks from LA patrons catching Toro y Moi’s set at Henry Fonda following Noise Pop, too. “That light show, man…”
While the band doesn’t have too many American shows coming up aside from SXSW and Sasquatch, I’d highly recommend catching the live incarnation of Toro y Moi if you can.
Toro y Moi Tour Dates
03/07 Fitzroy, VIC – The Standard
03/08 Adelaide – Adelaide Festival
03/09 Richmond, VIC – The Corner
03/10 Meredith, VIC – Golden Plains
03/13 Austin, TX – Haven*
03/13 Austin, TX – Red 7 (DJ set) &
03/14 Austin, TX – Lustre Pearl #
03/14 Austin, TX – 1100 Warehouse ^
03/15 Austin, TX – The Mohawk %
03/15 Austin, TX – ND $
03/16 Austin, TX – Hype Hotel @
03/30 Sao Paulo, SP – Lollapalooza Brazil
04/03 Sao Paulo, SP – Beco 203
04/05 Buenos Aires, Argentina – Niceto Club
04/06 Santiago, Chile – Candelaria Bar
04/07 Santiago, Chile – Lollapalooza Chile
06/04 London, UK @ KOKO
06/05 – Brighton, UK @ Concorde 2
06/06 – Briston, UK @ Thekla
06/07 – Birmingham, UK @ Academy 2
06/08 – Glasgow, Scotland @ The Arches
06/09 – Manchester, UK @ Parklife Weekender
05/24-05/27 – George, WA – Sasquatch! Fest
06/21-6/23 – Dover, DE – Firefly Festival
07/11-07/13 – Mariaville, NY – CAMP Bisco Music Festival
07/12-07/14 – Louisville, KY – Forecastle Festival