Youth Lagoon
The Year of Hibernation
Boise, ID
“An ambient look back at childhood”
Only in his early twenties, Trevor Powers of Youth Lagoon already reminisces about childhood innocence in his debut LP. With a yearning, breaking voice, Powers sings above dreamy layers of whimsical melodies that recall light-hearted children’s rhymes. With highly personal lyrics, Powers evokes past memories through the process of growing up, as the album moves through troughs and peaks from calming lullabies to more lively tracks.
Contrasting the seemingly simplistic melodic lines are the massive layers of supporting harmonies, powered by subtle synth loops and various effects pedals. Powers’ vocals are also manipulated with an airy echo to add to the starry lo-fi feel. Such techniques allow him to venture from psych to bedroom pop while landing (at times) in ambient drone, setting camp in both tranquility and a forward drive, a sensation not unlike childhood itself.
A standout in not only heartwarming (and heart-aching) compositions, The Year of Hibernation takes a bittersweet look at memories relatable to all who have passed the golden ages of youth. (Fat Possum Records)