The album itself is dreamy, ethereal and harrowing. Powers' voice is unique, and he howls over the music with passion. The lyrics are melancholy, according to interviews he wrote the music in the wake of a breakup and through his struggles with chronic anxiety. The album was made using a drum machine, keyboard, guitar and vocals, and the live show was no different.
I walked into the Bowery at 9:15pm not knowing what to expect. My ignorance was confirmed by the poster on the entrance wall that read "Dana Buoy 9:30pm. Youth Lagoon 10:30pm." There was an opener?! And Youth Lagoon won't be on until 10:30?! My girlfriend and I hung out at the bar downstairs and met up with a couple of friends who happened to be going to the show. We headed upstairs at 10:15, after the opening act was done.
Now, I love The Year of Hibernation. I listen to it on my morning commute often. The dreamy tone and delicate music is perfect for those mornings when I'm too tired to be listening to something heavy. But, I had no idea how the sound would translate to a live venue. Powers' voice on the album seems almost impossible to replicate in person. And how many people would be on the stage with him? How would those soundscapes be created?
Well, pleasant surprise, it was perfect. Powers' had only a guitarist with him and sat behind his keyboard and drum machine. His voice sounded as good as it does on the album. Each song built from a fragile melody over keyboard and guitar into an intricate swell of energetic sound accompanied by a powerful rhythm from the drum machine. He played every song off of the debut album and the audience seemed captivated the entire show. Everyone I was with was extremely impressed, and I agreed, the show was awesome.
Here's a video of the song "Cannons" that my girlfriend took using her iPhone:
After the show I couldn't help but thinking about the future progression of Youth Lagoon's career. After the excellent debut album and a great live show, I'm very excited for what Powers will produce next. There's certainly room to grow in his musical career and he seems to have a firm grasp on the type of music he wants to create. One or two albums in the future, plus a few turns in the right direction, and Powers can be a musical force.
While waiting on the line to get our coats, I overheard someone talking to their friend about the show. He said something like, "I'm always hesitant to fully enjoy the music at a concert where the person isn't playing actual instruments or there isn't a full band. It seems less authentic or just not as impressive or good." I didn't wait for the person he was with to respond before I proclaimed to my girlfriend that I disagree and it's a shame that people still feel that way. I think this is a popular thought among the older crowd or fans of classic/alternative rock. I'm a fan of it all.
First of all, Powers still needs to have the talent, vision and work ethic to perfect the rhythm of the drum machines and create all those soundscapes, all while singing. Second, the technology in the world now that allows a single person to create such rich and complex music needs to be embraced. There's a beauty in it just the same, and Youth Lagoon's music seems the perfect example of that.
That's the way I feel. I'm just thankful I have the ability to thoroughly enjoy all types and styles of music.
