For those interested in exploring Toro y Moi's music, "Underneath the Pine" is available on various streaming platforms, including:
Before diving into "Underneath the Pine," it's essential to understand Toro y Moi's background and how he emerged as a prominent figure in the electronic music scene. Born Christopher Lamont, Toro y Moi began making music in his teenage years, experimenting with various genres, including hip-hop and electronic music. His early work was characterized by its DIY ethos, which eventually led to his signing with the independent label, Dead Oceans.
, Chaz Bundick was frequently pigeonholed as a leader of the sample-heavy, hazy chillwave movement. To break that mold, he recorded Underneath the Pine entirely with live instrumentation—no samples, no loops.
The album was a critical success, earning the designation from Pitchfork , which also ranked it as one of the top 50 albums of 2011. Reviewers at Beats Per Minute praised its maturity and "superior musicianship". By abandoning the sample-heavy tropes of chillwave, Bear established himself as a versatile artist capable of evolving beyond internet-born trends.