7/10

Since first emerging with his debut album 'Causers Of This' back in 2010, Chaz Bundick aka Toro Y Moi has proven himself to be one of the most diverse and prolific producers working today. With less than a decade in the limelight, the frontman has worked and developed a number of new and interesting monikers that see him grow as an artist, but none have matched the engaging sensibilities of Toro Y Moi, which is why he has always been so keen to return to it regularly. Following on from his generally chilled 2017 release 'Boo Boo', his sixth full-length sees him adopt a far more bass-driven sound which experiments with funk and disco as much as his chillwave influences.

From the start, it is clear that the producer has looked to create a far different vibe than what we are used to. While he normally inhabits a realm of soft synths that weave and meander their way around minimal percussion, 'Outer Peace' sees the pace and texture of his sound ramped up to create a far more fulfilling and uplifting direction in the process. Moving away from his traditional vibe and taking huge influence from the 90s Daft Punk era, 'Outer Peace' seems like the start of a new beginning for the producer, one where he feels more comfortable to experiment with new ideas.

It still manages to squeeze in an array of slower, more conventional Toro Y Moi singles on here, but the takeaway message of this new LP is one of evolution and exploration. It may not gel as well in places during its brief 30-minute runtime, but still packs in a wide range of toe-tapping, funk-fused belters to get your head turning.