Anyway, you would be wrong to think of Youth Lagoon’s debut as just another gaggle of slightly anaemic-sounding, melodically inoffensive pop tunes. It’s far more interesting than that.
Anyway, you would be wrong to think of Youth Lagoon’s debut as just another gaggle of slightly anaemic-sounding, melodically inoffensive pop tunes. It’s far more interesting than that.
This album was one of those that may have escaped your notice in 2011, but that says a great deal about Youth Lagoon. Sliding under the radar seems only too appropriate considering the title of this collection of songs, but don’t be fooled- you shouldn’t let this one pass you by.
Trevor Powers, the 22-year-old talent behind the name, explained to his label that the album is partly an effort to express his experience dealing with “extreme anxiety”. This seems odd, given that the singles pulled from The Year of Hibernation are some of the mellowest tracks of the past 12 months –a great feat indeed, as the current vogue for chillwave dictates that if your latest release exceeds 120BPM then you need to slow down. Anyway, you would be wrong to think of Youth Lagoon’s debut as just another gaggle of slightly anaemic-sounding, melodically inoffensive pop tunes. It’s far more interesting than that.
Posters begins proceedings on a restrained and reflective note and, despite the glowing, uplifting melodies of Cannons and Afternoon, the album never quite leaves this sphere of subdued contemplation. Powers does a great job of crafting songs that begin with introspection and delicate, muted vocals but which then progress to become liberating and almost anthemic, with their sing-along hooks and ringing lo-fi guitar. July and Montana are great examples of just how effective this slow-burning song-writing can be.
With the possible exception of Daydream, these songs require patience. If you sent this album speed dating, it would not do well. Much like the shy, mumbly kid in the corner, you have to give it time to show what it is made of –don’t rush in and expect to hear a riff within ten seconds. Slow down. If you do, you might find that the anxious, introverted boy in the corner has something interesting to say after all…