Toro Y Moi - 'What For?'

8/10

After spending much of 2014 promoting his more electronic side-project Les Sins, producer Chaz Bundick has returned to his spiritual guise of Toro Y Moi to deliver the fourth studio album under that name. But while fans of Toro Y Moi will remember a project steeped in chillwave ambience and synth pop hooks, this new full-length sees the artist take on an unfamiliar direction that will set this new album apart from anything we have previously heard.

Those that heard the previous singles from this release, 'Empty Nesters' and 'Buffalo', will have already noticed the distinctly nostalgic avenue the producer has already begun to work on and this new record is no different. Adopting that 90s indie sound, similar to the likes of Teenage Fanclub and REM, and splicing it with a distinctly disco influenced backdrop, 'What For?' shows a far more uplifting side to the producer's repertoire and sets a precedent for where he is planning to take this project.

Regardless of whether you are familiar with his previous work or not, this new album will certainly get your attention. Its laid-back yet engaging style of songwriting makes it one of the diverse and enjoyable records we have heard this year, and will no doubt become the perfect soundtrack to your summer.

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