Sun-drenched and surreal, Toiboi delves into the beauty of long-forgotten melted grooves on the blissed-out “Tape One Wav”. A keen ear for melody and diverse selection of samples reveals a true crate-digging mentality of the highest caliber. Immaculately crafted grooves recall the powerful simplicity of J-Dilla’s timeless output. Everything swirls about in a radiant joyous haze. By refusing to sample from any one genre the tracks offer a wide variety of soothing surprises. Truly joyous the songs tap into a sort of lazy afternoon spirit to them as they languidly pass on by, allowing patience to become an important ally in service of the steady rhythm.
Infinitely celebratory, Toiboi tweaks things ever so slightly. The looping effects become outright hypnotic as they draw from all over the sonic map: from doo-wop from long ago to samples of a more tropical, contemporary quality. Within these pieces the small details matter: whether it is the perfectly sculpted bass to the crisp hit of the snare, it all simply works. Without needing to say a single word a narrative takes shape over the course of the collection, one of reflection and contemplation.
Hazy and lo-fi, “By Myself” offers such a gentle approach. A fully lived-in sound comes into view. So deceptive in its unexpected tenderness Toiboi takes their time in letting it unfurl in its own time. Vocal sampling works wonders on the playful “Sent from Heaven” where glitch effects are employed to delirious effect. Layer upon layer comes into the mix ensuring the whole thing has a psychedelic aura to it. Jazz like with its careful keys is the delicate nature of “Fresh Breeze” where Toiboi explores summery vibes with such ease.
Woozy piano anchors the whole of “Rain in February”. Allowing the beats to come in and out of the mix, it at times feels akin to a picture about to come into focus yet pulling away at the last moment. Drums skitter about on the edges of the track further adding to the sweetness of the piece. Perfectly bringing the entirety of the collection to a fantastic conclusion “Ain’t Speakin the Same Language” distorts and messes with nearly wordless vocal samples. Easily the highlight of the collection it summarizes all that came before it.
On “Tape One Wav” Toiboi creates a soothing, serene atmosphere that at times tap into the perfectly crafted YouTube channel “lofi hip hop radio – beats to relax/study to” as it has a welcoming warmth to its finely considered grooves.
