Toro Y Bro / Braids / Teen Gaze 3/28

Monday. It was raining, it was cold, it was a little bit lonely.
Unless you happened to be at the Biltmore, amongst a sold out crowd, dancing and sweating to the Toro Y Moi. The night opened with a set by Abbotsford’s own Teen Daze which got people moving their feet.

Braids – Glass Deers (Teen Daze Remix)

Braids – Plath Heart

Next up was Braids. There has been a lot of talk about these guys lately, and they live up to every word of it. Braids are the next best thing and do not forget it. The voice of lead singer Raphaelle Standell-Preston pierced and uplifted amidst an evolving musical backdrop. The songs came and went but the music did not stop once during the set.


There was a certain ebb and flow to Braids that was impressive. At times the floor was moving, spurred on by beats akin to early Animal Collective. While at other times the pace slackened and it seemed as if they were drawing us all into a dream. One was left feeling relaxed and satisfied. A perfect way to feel before seeing Toro Y Moi.

Toro Y Moi – New Beat
Normally made up solely of Chazwick Bundick, Toro Y Moi has switched things up for this tour. Bundick is now playing with a full band. The result is a lot more engaging and fun to watch although it does lose some of the diy bedroom produced charm in the process.

I did miss the signature foot shuffle dance moves of solo Bundick. The songs were upbeat yet still retained the relaxed vibe that is the corner stone of chillwave. With their latest album Underneath The Pine, the Toro sound has moved into disco territory with his latest release. The execution of the songs was near perfection, which is more exciting to see in a band than in a solo act. The place was packed and loving it, more than enough proof that Toro Y Moi has survived the sophomore curse and will continue to survive for a long time.

-Rob Cameron