With the rapid arrival of warm weather, it is time to cast out morbid playlists and insert the latest breezy performers that’ll give you spring fever all season long. This is where South Carolina native Toro y Moi comes in.
Born Chazwick Bundick, musician Toro Y Moi captures the essence of California in his songs and effortlessly blends surf music with crashing techno beats. But his kind of beat is harder and more intense — a new kind of sound that can be likened to artists like Neon Indian or the Drums, but with a cascade of synthesized beats layered on top of the cooing choruses.
His debut album was released on Jan. 4, earning rave reviews from indie critics like Pitchfork and Nylon. Titled “Causers of This,” the album is an electronic trip, complete with titles like “Freak Love” and “Talamak.” Songs like “Low Shoulder” beckon and woo the listener, with lyrics like “Don’t mind the sunrise/It weakens/It climbs/It gets in your eyes/Just look into mine.” Toro Y Moi also borrows from hip hop sounds, giving the album some edge and a bit of mystery. On March 24, he’s opening up at Black Cat for pop act The Ruby Suns.
With a name that just screams colorful psychedelia, The Ruby Suns are made up of New Zealand natives Ryan McPhun, Alistair Deverick and Graham Panther. Formed in 2004, The Ruby Suns are an otherworldly musical experience, creating dreamy space pop that is both indie and world-aware. Think of it as a mash-up between Beach House and Animal Collective. Their 2008 album “Sea Lion” was a nod to African music and culture, but their just-released third album, “Fight Softly,” is a blend of McPhun’s life experiences. It’s a departure from the Sun’s former head-in-the-clouds, psychedelic sound. The album is more driven, focusing a lot on McPhun’s vocals, rather than the dreamy ensemble singing on their past records. For those who want simple, summery music, go back and listen to “Sea Lion.” But for fans of the Suns, this new album still has a unique and enchanting feel. Their upcoming show with Toro Y Moi is sure to be a frenzy of a dance party, so if you like chill dance music, buy your ticket now.
But for those who prefer country twangs, sweet melodies and songs about sunshine, turn your attention to pop-rock duo She & Him. She is actress and singer-songwriter Zooey Deschanel; Him is folk guitarist, M. Ward, who is both a solo performer and member of indie supergroup Monsters of Folk. The duo are unlikely but work marvelously well together, not unlike other actress-musician duos such as Scarlett Johannsen and Pete Yorn. But unlike that duo, She & Him are all sweetness and lullabies, without ever feeling the need to get clouded down in emotions and darkness. Deschanel’s mezzo-soprano voice is thick and buttery, spinning poetic tales of love and dreams. The duo released their debut in 2008, titled “Volume One,” and are releasing their sophomore album, “Volume Two,” on March 23. Deschanel writes the lyrics while Ward concocts the delightful melodies.
To add to the cuteness factor, the duo just recently released a music video for their first single, “In The Sun,” which features Deschanel and a group of friends dancing around a high school while singing about hanging out in the sun and trying to work through a stagnant relationship. Deschanel’s wide-eyed innocence is on full display, complete with cutesy, polka-dotted outfits. But though she can’t help but be adorable, Deschanel’s lyrics keep the group from being sickeningly sweet, providing depth and feeling to music that’s otherwise light and fun. The duo have just gone on tour to promote the album but are not coming to D.C. anytime soon. So for now, you’ll have to settle for playing their album in a sun-filled hammock.
Perhaps one of the most anticipated releases of the year is that of Broken Bells. The Shins’ James Mercer and producer Brian Burton, better known by his stage name Danger Mouse, joined forces to create an album that combined both of their indie sensibilities and weirdly addictive electronic-pop. Burton has worked with artists like Gorillaz and Beck, and was also one half of the wildly popular Gnarls Barkley. Combined with Mercer, Broken Bells is an indie dream, bringing together some of the best sounds in alt-rock, hip hop and electronic music. Their debut album, “Broken Bells,” was an amalgam of pop and indie rock and is finally something for Shins’ fans to celebrate, since the last time Mercer made music was on the fantastic Shins’ album, “Wincing the Night Away,” released in 2007. The duo have not gone on tour yet, but it is certain that self-respecting indie fans everywhere will clamber to buy tickets as soon as possible.
You can reach this staff writer at ydesta@theeagleonline.com.
