Will Toledo's Gas Mask Alter Ego: Car Seat Headrest Reimagined

Will Toledo, the creative force behind Car Seat Headrest, has introduced a new dimension to his music with the album 'Making a Door Less Open.'

Operating under the persona of Trait, who wears a gas mask, Toledo aims to create Car Seat Headrest music without the direct weight of his established indie fame. This artistic choice seeks to move beyond the intense scrutiny and expectations that followed the breakthrough success of 'Teens of Denial' four years prior.

The album is Car Seat Headrest's shortest at 43 minutes and marks a departure with its embrace of electronic textures and varied song structures across different formats. Tracks like 'Weightlifters' acknowledge new expectations, showcasing a more polished sound with synths and electronics.

Toledo's exploration of electronic music, influenced by his side project 1 Trait Danger, allows for repetitive hooks and concise song structures. While some tracks, like 'Hollywood,' tread familiar ground with critiques of fame, others, such as 'Deadlines,' delve into the drudgery of songwriting, sometimes feeling like self-cannibalization. Despite its experiments, the album aims to compete with contemporary pop and hip-hop, offering a refreshed sound.