Album Review: Youth Lagoon - Wondrous Bughouse
BY İDİL DAMLA BİNGÖL (IE/IV)
The first time I heard the name Youth Lagoon was in August 2011. His first single, "July," was in a music blog's monthly mix, and that was the first time I listened to him. Youth Lagoon is the stage name of 23-year-old musician Trevor Powers. He released his first album, "The Year of Hibernation," on September 27, 2011. And on March 5 of this year, he released his second album, "Wondrous Bughouse." In an interview for Pitchfork, Powers explains that the word "bughouse" is an old term refering to an insane asylum, so the title welcomes the idea of being conscious of human mortality. "Wondrous Bughouse" is about death, mortality and other metaphysical mysteries from a slightly childish point of view. The melodies are simple and even catchy, but there's also something disturbing about the album, perhaps having to do with its potential to create a feeling of uneasiness in the audience -- or maybe it's just me.
"Wondrous Bughouse" is a pop album with noticeable psychedelic elements. To my mind, there are in some places strong resemblances to the Beatles or to Syd Barrett's solo works. Musically the album experiments with sounds while preserving its childish simplicity. Fader Magazine says, "The record itself is equally packed with wonders, with large-scale pop songs and tight, visceral melodies that even a child could hum." The songs on the album have metaphysical themes ("Sleep Paralysis") or deal with death ("Dropla") -- definitely not superficial subjects, especially for a pop album. But Powers gives these subjects very honest and raw treatment -- it's almost like watching the inside of his subconscious. Even the artwork for the album doesn't deviate from the theme. It's taken from a German book called "Rausch im Bild," which is about art created by drug patients in the 70s and 80s (plus, Bildrauschen means "image noise").
"Wondrous Bughouse" is one of the most impressive albums I've listened to this year. It's a bit challenging, and in this way it reminded me of Montreal's "Paralytic Stalks" (released last year), but it's an inspiring album from a young, curious and honest musician. My favorite tracks on the album are: "Raspberry Cane," "Mute" and "Daisyphobia." Among the other songs, "Pelican Man" really reminded me of the Beatles. This album is a mind-clearing and inspiring one: give it the chance that it deserves.
This Week's Songs:
Here's this week's mini-list. It includes a little bit of everything. I hope you like these songs.
1. AlunaGeorge - I Wanna Be Like You (Jungle Book Cover)
Here's your weekly AlunaGeorge selection. This time it's a cover.
2. Mountain Range - It's Lonely Around People, Too (Teen Daze Remix)
This week's "calm" song. The Teen Daze effect.
3. Para One - Every Little Thing Remix (ft. Cam'ron, Irfane & Teki Latex)
The one to dance to.
4. Ghost Beach - Miracle (Gigamesh Remix)
Actually I've never heard the original song, but this version is amazing.
5. Justin Timberlake - Suit & Tie (Aeroplane Remix)
I still haven't listened to Justin Timberlake's new album, but I've heard too many remixes of this song already. This is the best one.