PIAF: Toro y Moi closes out Chevron Festival Gardens in style
I've been extremely fortunate to review some of the best gigs of the 2017 PIAF contemporary music program. From the Afro Cuban sounds of Omar Sosa to the inspiring Warpaint, suffice to say it has been a great festival. Notwithstanding this, I had no doubts that Chazwick Bradley Bundick aka Toro y Moi could bring the house down, closing out a euphoric festival experience for young and old.
Interestingly, it was the first time I had witnessed the Chevron Festival Gardens in party mode. There were some long weekend vibes (if I ever did see them). The venue was packed to the rafters on Labour Day eve, with opening act Lanks, demonstrating their indie potential. However, I found the producer, who usually tours with three other musicians (but rocked up to Perth as a two piece), rather uninteresting. Perhaps having the other two members would have helped matters. Unfortunately, it left me thinking it was another one of those Triple J sob stories.
Toro y Moi, a bedroom producer, has had a genre-bending career so far. He has inspired a generation of Pitchfork bedroom producers to purchase synthesizers and embark on a journey of what they call 'chillwave discovery'. This ain't a drill, I actually heard someone saying they wanted to buy a Korg.
Undoubtedly, Toro surprised punters with the clarity of his voice in the more pop focussed moments in the show. As a friend's dad wisely said after the show, Toro channelled Peter Gabriel and Jamiroquai in equal parts. His progression from neo-soul to electronic to jangly indie-pop was executed with absolute ease and put everyone in a good mood. Stand out tracks were my favourite 'New Beat' and the ever so progressive 'Rose Quartz'.
As for Toro's band, they were not just a few LA pals he took on tour. These musicians were impressive in their own rite. A special mention goes out to Patrick Jeffords (bassist) and piano man who surprised us by mastering all sorts of sonic territory throughout the 90 minute set.
Three cheers to three immense weeks of contemporary music in an incredible outdoor amphitheatre. A high five to Toro y Moi who put every effort in ending the fest on a high. And last but not least, one more shout out to the lights man who was awwwwn point.