A trio of psychedelic acts descended upon Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall last week including the likes of Animal Collective’s Panda Bear and chill-wave stalwart, Toro y Moi. However, kicking the night off came courtesy of Baltimore’s Marcus Brown, better known as Nourished by Time. Gaining buzz for his kaleidoscopic bag of influences, mixing homespun pop, R&B, and countless other genres, Brown and his three-piece hit the stage offering-up impressionistic contortions and rich vocal performances, which pulsated with raw emotion. Elsewhere, Panda Bear deployed a set altogether different, relying heavily on hallucinatory visuals while shrouding himself in the shadows. Nevertheless, he and his band maintained a sharp focus throughout the night, allowing images of technicolor terriers, chrome masks, and waves of jagged appendages to heighten the experience. The patrons in attendance would be mesmerized by it all.
By 9:15pm Toro y Moi (Chaz Bear) came onstage to great fanfare, along with three guys who I initially mistook for roadies. Each taking their place behind drums, bass, and keyboard, Chaz himself provided the vocals, as well as an occasional guitar lick or synth line. The band, congregated to the middle of the stage, were illuminated by a wash of muted reds, hot pinks, and pale green lights. It was a great way to set the mood. Not overdone, yet very appropriate for the night’s chill-wave aesthetic. Distinctive yet great, everyone put on a tight performance from start to finish giving fans a psychedelic feast for the eyes and ears. Toro y Moi is continuing their tour across the United States for the rest of the month. The band is promoting their latest album titled “Hole Erth” which was released last September so make sure to check it out on any streaming platforms you use.
For the fans that couldn’t make it out to the concert on February 10th in Toronto, you can still enjoy our exclusive photo gallery just below showcasing all three bands. Also, be sure to follow Toro y Moi on Instagram @ToroyMoi for all future updates on the tour and new music!
Article & Photos By Myles Herod (@herodhimself)
