REVIEW: Toro y Moi Creates An Intimate, Euphoric Atmosphere at San Luis Obispo Show
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY JASMINE AGUIRRE ☆
Photo By Christopher Fenimore
ON A WARM JULY NIGHT IN DOWNTOWN SAN LUIS OBISPO — Toro y Moi turned the historic Fremont Theater on July 30 into a dreamscape setting that felt both spacious and deeply intimate. The art-deco venue was filled with visually pleasing washes of purple, red and blue light as a glowing sphere hovered behind the stage. A light haze of smoke hung in the air, as Chaz Bear gave the SLO crowd a dreamy and serene performance.
Chaz Bundick is definitely not one to repeat himself stylistically, given his eclectic discography. The show had a balanced mix of new rap-influenced tracks and nostalgic indie chillwave favorites. Of course, Chaz Bear’s vocals were very calming, where one can feel the intimacy in his voice. Despite the theater’s spacious interior, the room felt incredibly cozy and immersive. The lighting stayed atmospheric and enhanced the intimate, almost hypnotic mood of the audience.
The performance opened with the catchy track “The Loop,” followed by the nostalgic melody of “Grown-Up Calls” and Outer Peace gems “New House” and “50-50.” Chaz Bear also played some sentimental tracks back to back including “No Show, “ "So Many Details,” “The Flight” and “Still Sound,” keeping everyone engaged. Songs like “Magazine” and “Goes By So Fast” introduced more psychedelic textures visually, keeping the crowd immersed in the electrifying experience.
One of the night’s most euphoric moments was especially apparent during the dreamy track “Lilly,” with its instrumentation that unfolded in a slow, flowing cascade of sound. Bodies were swaying side to side that made it feel like the crowd was in a trance, making it one of the clearest emotional peaks of the night.
The set continued through fan favorites “Buffalo,” “Mirage” and the classic “Rose Quartz.” People continued to dance the night away during groovy hits “Laws of the Universe,” “Who I Am,” “Freelance,” and “Ordinary Pleasure.” Bear had some fun banter and flashing lights as he performed his newer Hole Erth material “Tuesday” and “HOV,” and shifted into Flume’s “The Difference” where the crowd felt the loudest as everyone jumped up and down together.
By the final sentimental keys of the love song “Girl Like You,” the show ended off on a warm and charming finale. Chaz Bear continues to prove his ability to move between genres seamlessly and showcase a strong stage presence. Toro y Moi delivered a fun and engaging performance that kept the audience mesmerized throughout the whole night.
