Outer Peace (LP)

The lives we lead can feel like a simulation as the line between our reality and augmented futures continues to blur. Following the ever-emotive 'Boo Boo', Toro Y Moi's new album 'Outer Peace' is a time capsule that captures our relationship to contemporary culture into one comprehensive, sonic package.

Shortly after the release of his 2015 record 'What For?', Toro Y Moi (also known as Chaz Bear) packed up his belongings, leaving the comfort of his Oakland base for the relative solitude of Portland to write 'Boo Boo'. Apart from the familiarity of his surroundings, Bear focused on what would become his next sonic statement. In doing so, he was struck by the reign that technology holds over our day to day lives and its ability to obscure the consumption of creativity. His change of environment resulted in freedom from disturbances and, in those quiet and tranquil spaces, the creation of music acted as a protest in favour of peace.

As both a producer and designer, Bear utilizes abstract sound pairings with recognizable samples for his most pop influenced record to date. This is no departure from his funk and disco roots, which can be heard on "Ordinary Pleasure", later fusing into variations of house with tracks like "Freelance" and "Laws of the Universe." Smooth interludes melt into fast paced beats, paralleling the feeling of driving through the Bay Area, where Bear spent most of his time writing the album.