Description
The lives we lead can feel like a simulation as the line between our reality and augmented futures continue to blur. Following the everemotive Boo Boo, Toro Y Moirsquos new album Outer Peacenbspis a time capsule that captures our relationship to contemporary culture into one comprehensive, sonic package.nbspShortly 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 writenbspBoo 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.nbspHaving now moved back to Oakland, Bearrsquos new record Outer Peacenbspis a response to the lessons gleaned while making Boo Boonbspmdash a response to the expendable state of the art that is a product of instant gratification. Bearrsquos ingenuity reveals a multifaceted expression of his universe on this record. Itrsquos the space between the accessible and unconventional where he invites us to experience Outer Peace, which is rooted in finding peace in antithetical conditions being stuck in traffic, hustling for your next check as a freelancer and all other chaotic moments in life that require digging beneath the surface to nd solace.nbspAs both a producer and designer, Bear utilises abstract sound pairings with recognisable samples for his most pop influenced record to date. This is no departure from his funk and disco roots, which can be heard on ldquoOrdinary Pleasurerdquo, later fusing into variations of house with tracks like ldquoFreelancerdquo and ldquoLaws of the Universe.rdquo Smooth interludes melt into fastpaced beats, paralleling the feelingnbspof driving through the Bay Area, where Bear spent most of his time writing the album.nbspOuter Peacenbspis duality. It embodies whatever form you choose to inhabit at the moment. Listen and let your imagination become the universe.nbsp
