Chaz Bundick doesn't really need another moniker. As Toro y Moi, he's released three albums to plenty of critical acclaim and fan adoration.
Still, he is looking forward to introducing the world to his latest alter ego, Les Sins.
"There's some sonic difference," Bundick says. "I don't know if I would like to take Toro stuff as dark or heavy [as Les Sins]. What I like about it, it's just different as of right now."
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In fact, Les Sins already has an album under its belt, Michael, an 11-track offering that experiments with New Wave, hip-hop, and deep house while remaining undeniably danceable. If Toro y Moi is Bundick at his most breezy and poppy, Les Sins is a glimpse of his schizophrenic side.
"I try to incorporate similar amounts of accessibility in each track -- something memorable," Bundick says of his work as Toro y Moi and Les Sins. "That's one thing that I have to hear. Something that's like, 'What was that one track that had that one part, that bass track or vocal line?' That's the key."
Beyond striving for catchiness with both projects, Bundick admits Les Sins offers a degree of anonymity, which tempers fans' expectations -- something he finds particularly freeing.
"With Les Sins, I don't have to worry about having to sing on it. That immediately opens up different doors. I don't have to worry about my face being the face of Les Sins, which is nice. It allows me to do whatever I want and not worry about alienating Toro fans."
Nevertheless, if you are hoping for something reminiscent of Toro y Moi to tide you over until Bundick's next offering, the highlight of Michael is "Why," featuring vocals by Nate Salman. It's a funky and glittery number with a sticky bassline that serves as the album's apex.
But Michael and Les Sins is worth checking out on its own, mainly to get a sense of how Bundick makes music when he isn't limited to Toro's signature sound. If anything, Les Sins is Bundick's response to some of the stuff his peers are currently doing.
"I think [Kanye West's] Yeezus was one of the main [inspirations]. I really love how he got dark with it. That was really an album that I was like, 'Man, that was really brave and bold of him.' That pushed me to get darker and weirder with it, but still have it be my own thing."
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Les Sins. Thursday, December 4. Bardot, 3456 N. Miami Ave., Miami. The show starts at 10 p.m. and tickets are sold out. Ages 21 and up. Call 305-576-7750 or visit bardotmiami.com.
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