Toro Y Moi - Underneath The Pine Vinyl LP

Columbia, SC's Chaz Bundick (aka Toro y Moi) rose to the fore of the music blogosphere in summer 2009 when he made hazy bedroom recordings the most talked-about sound of the season. Critics took notice of the range of his compositions, and his debut album, Causers of This, showcased his ability to make elements of Brian Wilson's pop, 80s R&B, and Stone's Throw hip hop coalesce into a distinct sound that's as suitable for a dancefloor as it is a pair of headphones. When Chaz first signed to Carpark, the plan was to release two records in 2010 -- one electronic and one with live instrumentation -- and although it didn't quite fit into the same calendar year, Underneath the Pine is that latter offering. The result of these sessions is an album evocative of R. Stevie Moore's homespun ruminations, David Axelrod's sonic scope, Steve Reich-ian piano phrasing, and the pervasive funk of his first record. Underneath the Pine announces a new phase for an artist whose talent defies classification.