June 2009 cover

June 2009

Toro y Moi · 2012

28 min · 10 tracks · synth-pop

A vibrant blend of lo-fi synth-pop and introspective melodies captures the essence of youthful exploration and emotional complexity.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Take the L to Leave — This track encapsulates the album's playful yet reflective tone, blending catchy synth lines with thoughtful lyrics about departure and self-discovery.
  • →
    Drive South — With its infectious groove and layered instrumentation, this song highlights Bundick's ability to merge upbeat melodies with introspective themes, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    Talamak (First Version) — As a reimagining of an earlier work, this version showcases Bundick's growth as an artist while maintaining an engaging mix of electronic textures and personal storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a blend of vibrant synth-pop and introspective melodies, marking Toro y Moi's evolving sound.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with layered synths, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower melodies.
  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'Ektelon', which features a repetitive instrumental loop that evolves throughout its duration.
  • The use of vocal harmonies is prominent, with multiple tracks featuring overlapping melodies that create a rich texture.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short energetic bursts of nostalgia
  • catchy melodies for sunny days
  • for carefree afternoon vibes
  • quick listens with playful charm

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking long immersive experiences
  • prefer slower, more contemplative sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 2012, June 2009 is Toro y Moi's third studio album, following the critically acclaimed Underneath the Pine from 2011. At this point in his career, Chaz Bundick had begun to establish himself as a key figure in the chillwave movement, experimenting with different sounds and production techniques that set him apart from his earlier works.
Stylistic neighbors
Washed Out· Neon Indian· Tame Impala

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Best Around 1:27
  • 2 Take the L to Leave 2:22
  • 3 Girl Problems 2:42
  • 4 Dead Pontoon 2:23
  • 5 Ektelon 3:19
  • 6 Drive South 3:38
  • 7 Sad Sams 2:55
  • 8 Talamak (First Version) 3:45
  • 9 Warm Frames 2:40
  • 10 New Loved Ones 3:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata