Pitchfork Day 2 2012: Youth Lagoon

Photo Credit: Julia Duerst

Trevor Powers, the genius behind the emotionally wrenching pop beats and sounds of Youth Lagoon, takes the small stage Saturday at Pitchfork to wow us with his distinct voice. Accompanied only by a guitarist, Trevor makes the sounds of his album The Year of Hibernation come alive and sweep us into something that feels sort of like a dream.

Youth Lagoon’s sound can come off as hollow too many, but the depth is unparalleled when one truly submerses themselves into his music. Speaking with a member of Purity Ring (who performed Friday) later that night, we talked about Trevor’s ability to attach such emotion and character to his music. Although at first some of his sounds seem simple and poppy, their straightforward nature allows Trevor to cut right through to our hearts and minds.

Watching him perform songs “Afternoon,” “Posters,” and “Montana” in the cool shade under the trees were all taken back to our childhood. Pictures of running around as a kid pop into our heads, the lost nostalgia brought back by Youth Lagoons special ability to take memories and make you obsess over them. Admittedly, they don’t have the presence as rockstars, but the band is a must see for any festival – even laying in the grass listening to them will become a memorable experience.