Toro Y Moi laments stolen goods and the Ruby Suns rob critics of the chance to say they’ve gone soft

March 31, 2010, at Schubas

By Vicky Lim
Published: April 2nd, 2010 | 8:01pm

A landscape of echoes and fuzz and sometimes guitar—Chazwick Bundick of Toro Y Moi knows how to shape a mood of reflection, and those who were lucky enough to be present at his sold out-show at Schubas dutifully responded with slow head bobs and applause.

On this night, Toro Y Moi opened for the Ruby Suns and Bundick used every moment for his music, opting for minimal chitchat and a rather nonchalant presence. Bundick only briefly introduced himself and mumbled something apologetic about lacking the intended samples—his gear was stolen after a stop in Brooklyn and he was now playing from scratch.

But backed by his new laptop and switching between synth and guitar, Bundick stirred up tones of pop and sweet nostalgia and aptly began his set with “Blessa”. The music was an invitation to close your eyes and allow the noise to wash over you as you hear on repeat: “Do you wanna be a part of me / I wish I could help out / Laugh ‘til it hurts now.”

Near the end of Bundick’s set, he told the audience he felt bad for the “lack of thump,” but his style was an appropriate complement to headliners the Ruby Suns, who later elevated the crowd by playing a series of intense songs with the endurance of a marathon.

Although music critics have noted disappointment in the so-called weaker direction of Fight Softly (Sub Pop), in favor of 2008’s Sea Lion (Lil’ Chief), the Ruby Suns fought back by performing a cacophony on Wednesday night, and the crowd seemed to enjoy it. Ryan McPhun, lead Sun, stepped on stage with his band mates and aligned electronics decorated with flowers and light-up berries.

The songs that followed were composed of yells, shakers, and lots and lots of drums. At times, the high volume could be considered maddening, almost akin to banging on a tin bucket placed over your head. In response, some bodies danced, some shook, some remained still—and in the front row, a girl in a floral dress swung her body convulsively from side to side.

By the time McPhun expressed a desire to play a “heartfelt song” for couples to slow dance to, most had become exhausted. For the encore, the group covered Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” with the same energy present throughout their set—so much so that the reckless percussion of the evening left many with agitated heart beats.

—

For more photos, visit Venus Zine's Flickr page

Toro Y Moi MySpace page

The Ruby Suns official site

The Ruby Suns MySpace page

Sub Pop Records