Youth Lagoon

Designed as an outlet for Boise-based singer-songwriter Trevor Powers to deal with his anxiety, Youth Lagoon has blossomed into something he most likely never imagined. Originally set for release via tiny indie label Juno Beach back in July, The Year of Hibernation's buzz was so strong that Fat Possum stepped in to take on the demand. Though a newcomer, Youth Lagoon hardly sounds as though he has any moisture left behind those ears of his. Performed entirely on his own, Powers' songs encapsulate the kind of sublime intimacy that only a bedroom recording can achieve. Whether the decision was intentional or financial, the echo-ringing, lo-fi production and sparse arrangements provide a mask for Powers' inhibited voice, which quivers with an eerie harmony and gives validity to an overwrought line like, "It's just me in my room, with my eyes shut." Let's hope he's got a handle on his anxiety issues, because The Year of Hibernation is just the kind of imposing statement to get him out of that bedroom for a very long time.