Wondrous Bughouse Youth Lagoon Review

Youth Lagoon’s second record, Wondrous Bughouse, is one of the most impressive albums you’ll listen to this season. Trevor Powers, the band’s only member, explores the genre of dream pop; developing and empowering the mix of alternative, psychedelic and pop rock.

Throughout Wondrous Bughouse, Youth Lagoon’s Trevor Powers becomes fascinated with where the physical and spiritual worlds meet, creating a journey for us that’s just as supernatural as that of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Wondrous Bughouse sees Powers level unusual but attractive synthesisers under unique tunes and simplistic pop melodies, in the process developing an extensive medley of overwhelming sounds which are constantly absorbing.

The songs on Wondrous Bughouse are moody but not sad, which does not venture away from Youth Lagoon’s 2011 album, The Year of Hibernation. Several songs touch on different states

of mind, which – just like reality – isn’t always comfortable, but Powers takes you on a tour you wish will never end. It’s appropriate, considering an old word for insane asylum is bughouse, and this album spirals.

Wondrous Bughouse shows Powers asking questions relating with the human mind and metaphysical universe, evoking thoughts about his own mental status. Regardless, the final composition is enriching. The album demonstrates that there is more to life than what meets the eye. It opens a doorway showing that life’s a complex mystery, but still a breathtaking journey.

Songs worth a listen: ‘Mute’, ‘Pelican Man’, ‘Dropla’ and ‘Attic Doctor’.