Los Angeles-born, Salt Lake-based musician Tay Toe delivers 11-track album Habits and Setbacks, led by an infectious yet understated soundscape. Striking a balance between familiarity and experimentation, the enticing production reveals new sides to the artist, his sonic versatility blending seamlessly into his trademark style.
Featuring a mix of playful drums, warm synths and melodic vocals, the album opens with the anthemic yet hazy “Intro,” before the soft and slow melody of “Meet Again,” set the tone for the gentle body of work.
Groovy but ethereal numbers like “Life of Blues,” and “You The Man,” compliment the laid-back flow of tracks like “That’s Fine,” and “Invincible.” Stand-out production “What You Deserve,” unveils yet another glimpse of his diversity with its hard-hitting yet atmospheric feel.
The punchy sensibility of “Greatest,” bounces off the lulling arrangement of closing track “Love Goes,” to maintain a sense of sonic surprise right from beginning to end of the album.
Described by Tay Toe as a “beautiful warm up,” Habits and Setbacks, forms an impressive foundation for what’s to come from the rising talent who promises to consistently deliver a carefully woven sonic world for us to find solace in.
