Youth Lagoon

It didn't take me very long to appreciate the sound emanating from the stage at the sold out Fox Theatre in Oakland Wednesday night. First off, I'd like to point out my virginity to such an awe inspiring venue, being my first time there, was almost as good as finding out how awesome chocolate is for the first time. If you've been there, you don't need for me to go on about the gorgeously delicate ceiling or the vintage tapestries draped along the walls, peering through scroll like windows, and the light fixtures giving off a soft glow of light being caught by the detailing in the framework. It's so pretty...

Headlining, were the masters of intricately melodious and emotionally charged music, Death Cab for Cutie. Another one of my favorite bands from my youth. But aside from experiencing one of the most electrifying performances from them, my gaze is not entirely focused on them alone. Besides, with a band that I hold in such high regard on my "all-time-favorites" list, they can do no wrong and they exceeded every expectation in my mind.

Upon hearing his voice; high, soft and strangled; Trevor Powers, frontman of Youth Lagoon, caught my focus almost instantaneously. Blogs all over are already clamoring on about his music, and it makes me so happy to see he is getting the attention he so well deserves! His voice rings out almost whispering behind his fusion of beats and keyboard/guitar riffs, almost something out of an dream...which he claims most of his stuff comes from. Not necessarily good dreams. We all have demons. I can account to some in my life, but not all of us possess the talent to turn it into art, or better, an album.

I ran into him at Make Westing (a very chill bar with a bocce ball court inside!!) after the show. And while I didn't present it as a formal interview, I did get an insight into how he thinks and how his music comes to life. Trevor is not only humble, he is as sweet as they come. Graciously accepting a conversation as if we had known each other for years. When asked about some of his influential favorites, he rattled off Townes Van Zandt and the Cocteau Twins, among others. What caught me off guard were the two completely different genres, however, each with compelling musical storytelling well beyond it's time, tell a little bit about his upbringing in Boise, Idaho. I am completely enamored by his presence but most importantly his music, and have been listening to The Year Of Hibernation, his debut LP, non stop.

The icing on the cake? When he introduced us to Benjamin Gibbard. Yea. Highlight of the year.

Most of the time, I keep my musical interests to myself, I like to hoard them and not share. Ha! But, I felt a bit compelled to, as a sort of testament of character.

yea, there's a lot of hype surrounding Youth Lagoon. But this time, it seems legit. All I know is, I'll be waiting for the sophomore record with anticipation. ;)