Tobisonics - ‘We Need Light in the Dark’
With his debut album, Tobisonics has built a funk monster. A record that is most enjoyable when listened to from front to back. We Need Light in the Dark will officially be available Friday, October 7 and you should absolutely take the time to give it a listen.
“Panic” - Contains a variety of voice samples and inventively made vocal synth elements. The mix features a pretty wide range of synth sounds and noise candy, demonstrating Tobisonics' confidence and skill in music production. The Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk come to mind when listening to its pounding beat.
“Scream” – Has an infectious groovy rhythm. This song is masterfully propelled along by the drumbeats and the strong bass. Punchy synths and rolling percussion attacks are brilliantly intercut with dynamic breaks that are both interesting and fun. Again, this is a very inventive usage of vocal samples.
“How Do you Say Life Is Wonderful?” – The bottom line is similar to Grimes' "Be A Body," which is driven by a mesmerising arpeggio. Almost encouraging the listener to go through a hypnotic spin cycle, the finished wash having a gratifyingly pristine gloss. The mix moves along well, thanks to the usage of reverse cymbals. Both the breaks and the use of panning are creative.
“Snakes” – begins with a statement that becomes slower before transitioning into a futuristic soundtrack powered by rolling percussion and operatic vocal samples. A reflective mood is masterfully crafted by the song. Tobisonics’ sound has a complex molecular structure. It's not afraid to lead the listener on journeys that seem nearly hallucinogenic and are built on vintage synthesiser sounds.
“You Just Gotta Dance” – Although Daft Punk is again brought to mind when using vocal synth effects, something entirely new is produced. This track’s electric piano riffing is its standout feature. Every sound that is uncovered shines thanks to Tobisonics, just like a brand-new toy on Christmas morning. Again, some of the synth selections are evocative of Grimes and her song “Genesis.”
“All I Ever Wanted” – features some extremely lovely and surprising flute and key sounds that are scattered throughout the song. The percussion sounds are expertly chosen and could play endlessly without getting boring. The music of the song is incredibly encouraging. The bass line could also happily play nonstop.
“We Need Light In The Dark” – acts as a slower section of the record, and some of the melodic components have a Nicolas Jaar-like quality to it. Together, with riser sounds, shakers, and samples, the tune is beautifully filled with electric piano lines. It serves as the ideal capstone to Tobisonics' solely escapism-focused audio rabbit hole.
Tobisonics says: “I wanted to make an album that gave people hope; an album that said, the worse things get, the more we need to find the wonder in life. In these difficult times, optimism isn’t naive, it’s imperative to our survival. In doing so, I ended up telling my own story of ongoing recovery from chronic depression/anxiety and PTSD; the lesson I have learned and the ones I am still struggling to learn. By using recycled voices, from old public service announcements and Sci-Fi B-Movies, I found I could hide in plain sight. I found I could talk about subjects far more personal and painful than I could ever with my own voice.”