Toro y Moi’s latest studio album, “Anything in Return,” is most strongly characterized by its subtlety. Unlike the 26–year–old’s previous EPs, the whole album thumps with constant backbeat ambiance. Rather than relying on obvious emotional peaks, “Anything in Return” maintains a pensive, almost somber tone throughout. This is not to say that each track is indistinguishable; the beats of “So Many Details” and “Grown Up Calls” each give off a hip–hop vibe, and tracks like “Cake” are noticeably less introspective. This album manages to find the aesthetic sweet spot, cohesive but not predictable, and the results are surprisingly funky.
Grade: B- Sounds best when: Procrastinating for your writing seminar 99-cent download: “So Many Detail"
