'Toro Y Moi' Album Review

By: Lilease Waldron

On April 29th, 2022 Toro Y Moi (also known as Chaz Bear, off-stage) released Mahal, a “chillwave”, funky, experimental album, the 7th album in his career. The “chillwave” genre; unless you’re well into current music, you may not recognize the name of this microgenre and can’t familiarize that sound in your head. Think dreamy, 1980s electropop mixed with indie and lo-fi aesthetics. Moi uses slow and calming tempos while incorporating jazz elements with an abundance of instrumentals and a heavy focus on bass. 

Everyone featured in his album adds an incredible touch. Salami Rose’s part in “Magazine” is light and graceful and compliments his style beautifully. Meanwhile, Unknown Mortal Orchestra in the first track doesn’t sing but instead adds guitar (and potentially other elements) that tells the story of the song- after all, there aren’t any lyrics, so the instrumentals must make up for it. This one was sharp and electric sounding, while still having that psychedelic touch Moi keeps as a steady theme in each of his songs. A perfect introduction to the album. 

As I previously praised, the guitar is always fantastic in this album, whether it’s Moi or a featured artist. “Deja Vu” and “Way Too Hot” allows the guitar to take over every once in a while, with it usually teasing in the background when not in the spotlight. Sometimes the guitar would completely save the song, like in “Days in Love”. Personally not a big fan of the style of singing in that one as it feels a bit corny, like 2022 Weezer. Luckily, the guitar was profound, and the solo mid-song simply takes you away. 

If I had to recommend one song from this album it would have to be “Goes By So Fast”, as I feel it encapsulates the feeling of the album in its entirety- and his voice is undeniably good here. It’s groovy and dreamy, each note traveling from one headphone to the next. Some songs in this album can be a little too funky at times or lyrically boring, but this one is incredibly composed and will definitely be on repeat for a good week (or month, if you’re like me). Overall I’d give Mahal a 7/10, and if ranking in the “Chillwave” genre, 10/10. Definitely give it a listen if you’re given the right moment.