Youth Lagoon’s Trevor Powers has crafted one hell of a debut in ‘The Year of Hibernation’. He finds new depths within the saturated genre of hazy pop by way of looping melodies, swirling synths, drum machines, glistening guitar riffs and a soft blanket of distortion.

The bedroom production has seemingly enabled an unhindered, personal journey, where Powers submerses himself within his own reverb and deepest thoughts. Lines within the stunningly exposed ‘17’ include: “My mother said to me don’t stop imagining, the day that you do is the day that you die”. Clearly Powers has taken heed of his mother advice, building a record with imagination and honesty. Is the Seattle musician really only 22 years old?

The tracks here often circle endlessly; the second half of opener ‘Posters’ is a simple rhythm accentuated with an electric guitar and swooning organs, which follow and build upon the filtering electronics – and Powers impressive whine – that opened the song.

‘Afternoon’ beats a little more intently with a solid bass drum – the fuzzy six string again dirties up the sound, giving it a more lo-fi, human touch, that’s a reoccurring part of the record’s DIY charm.

There’s also a continuous echo of choral unity throughout the set. It may start with the vocal, but it’s often carried home by the looping synths and instrumental arrangements. So even when Powers stops singing, the music continues the story he has started. Just check the single ‘Montana’ – the long instrumental moments here are as achingly nostalgic as any of the singer’s own words.

Youth Lagoon’s debut is a personal thought process given a soundtrack of submerged electronics and hazy vibes – and between them they have created something quite special.

-Dave Taylor-