Freaking Out

Released in late 2011, Freaking Out is a five-track EP that signaled a major stylistic shift for Chaz Bear (Toro y Moi). Following the success of his seminal chillwave debut and the more organic, psych-pop leaning Underneath the Pine, this release saw Bear embracing 1980s boogie, funk, and early house music. Recorded in a more polished studio environment than his previous 'bedroom' efforts, the EP features a cover of Cherrelle and Alexander O'Neal’s 'Saturday Love,' which serves as a mission statement for the record's retro-futurist aesthetic. Critics noted the project's departure from the 'hazy' tag, praising the tighter production and the prominence of the bass guitar. It remains a fan favorite for its high energy and serves as the bridge to the more dance-oriented sounds found on later albums like Anything in Return. The EP is a concise exploration of groove-based songwriting that solidified Bear's reputation as a versatile producer capable of mastering diverse electronic subgenres.