It’s difficult to imagine Youth Lagoon’s debut album “The Year of Hibernation” as something recorded in a bedroom. Futuristically epic, it seems to occupy a space beyond the constraints of gravity. What’s more it’s lonely and esoteric, but in a sort of way that you want to find a common ground with it. Youth Lagoon is the creative endeavor of 22-year-old Trevor Powers. His debut is the sort of thing you could write a dissertation on. And honestly it wouldn’t surprise me if people do years down the road. “The Year of Hibernation” is the sort of album that makes a profound mark on all possible levels. Its individualism is initially evident in the steady melodic build-up of each song. Each track is similar in that manner. At first it sounds like something you could drown in, but as it continues it builds strength through drum machines and synth. The vocals have this sunken quality about them, like Powers is speaking through a tin can, giving them a subconscious affect. Perhaps what makes this album so beautiful is how evident it is that he made this album purely for himself. Like he had to let something he’d been holding in for years out; this becomes further evident through the lyrics. It’s clear he’s dealing with a lot. This is one of those rare albums that manages to be both catchy and profound. It may even be ahead of its time.

Tracklist

1. Afternoon
2. Cannons
3. Daydream
4. July
5. Montana
6. Posters
7. Seventeen
8. The Hunt