“Half Dome” - Toro Y Moi [YouTube Official Music Video] | Zumic

After a chance meeting with photographer R. Adam Prieto at Yosemite Valley's legendary Half Dome, Chazwick Bundick (better known as Toro Y Moi) has released an exciting, new time-lapse video for "Half Dome" off his 2015 album, What For?. This feel-good track features a driving drum track along with a fat, distorted bass line to help support the high tenor Eliot Smith-style multi-track vocals. Additionally, the breathtaking photography of Yosemite National Park perfectly complements the spacious vibe of the track.

Featuring a live rock group with less emphasis on electronics, "Half Dome" (like the rest of What For?) is a bit of a departure from the chillwave sound of Toro's earlier albums. Using this predominantly live ensemble works to his advantage for the purposes of this track, giving it a certain energy that can only be engendered through live performance. The only time I felt like the arrangement didn't quite work was around 2:05, when the funk-rhythm guitar hook entered and competed for sonic space against the guitar solo. Nit-picking aside, "Half Dome" is definitely a track worth keeping on the road trip playlist.

What For? was officially released on April 7, 2015. Pick the album up on Amazon (Vinyl, MP3). You can also stream the full album and read our review right here on Zumic.

For Toro Y Moi's music, news, and tour dates, check out his Zumic artist page.