Youth Lagoon-Savage Hills Ballroom Review

Artist: Youth Lagoon

Album: Savage Hills Ballroom

Label: Fat Possum Records

Release Date: September 25, 2015

Website: http://fatpossum.com/artists/youth-lagoon/

Singing through cracked lips, with anxiety induced vocals, Trevor Powers of Youth Lagoon hits us with his newest album, Savage Hills Ballroom. This is the first time Powers has really gone in a different direction musically, since releasing his last two albums, The Year of Hibernation and Wondrous Bughouse. His newest album is sure to catch the attention of anyone who thought they had Youth Lagoon's sound figured out. Powers chooses Savage Hills Ballroom to give us another side of his vocals that have never been previously heard.

The appeal of Youth Lagoon has been a warm, homemade sound and extremely catchy vocals. On Savage Hills Ballroom the vocals still have their catchiness, but outside of the interlude and epilogue instrumentals in ("Dolls Estate", "X-Ray"), Trevor Powers seems to be expanding his reach. Youth Lagoon's old tricks are present, but with new producer Ali Chant they are pushed to new territory. Some surprises come in the form of electronic heavy beats and breaks. Songs such as "Officer Telephone" and "Again" could have written as predictable Youth Lagoon songs, but the use of huge electronic beats and heavy subs takes it to another level. Another great surprise is Powers' more polished, confident voice. He still sounds unmistakeable, but more up front and important.

The subject matter takes a darker turn than his previous works. Themes of mortality, civil unrest, distrust and fear are on nearly every track. "The Knower" and "Dirty Human" deal with humanity's shortcomings in an almost stream of consciousness delivery while drums and instrumentals build a wall of sound behind him. He also talks about loss of control. "Kerry", a song about Powers' Vegas bound, vagrant uncle is one of the best tracks on the album and really shows what he is capable of.

Lyrics of Youth Lagoon have often up to this point been about nostalgia, or the idea of growing up and getting your life together. On Savage Hills Ballroom they seem to be looking past his feelings and into the issues that we all feel deeply, but sometimes can't put into words. This album strikes you in a way that leaves you wanting more. It's an easy listen and seldom drags. Overall it's a win and one particular gold star on the album that is recommended would have to be "The Knower".