One of the great things about winning free tickets is that you get the opportunity to check out shows you might not otherwise go to. To be honest, Youth Lagoon was not an act that was on my radar to see. I had seen them last year when they played a $10 show at Turner Hall, and found that they played a meager 30 minute, uninspiring set. Granted, Trevor Powers, the singer/songwriter behind Youth Lagoon told the crowd that night that he was very ill, and he played like it.
This time, three songs into their near 90 minute set, Trevor Powers addressed the crowd stating, "Last time I was in Milwaukee, I was really sick and I hope to make it up to you tonight." That he did and then some, making this a surprisingly good show. In just a year's time, Youth Lagoon has really stepped up their live show. First off, they now have a stage set up that fits with their music. Long white curtains were draped from the ceiling, projecting colorful lights against the backlit stage. Secondly, Powers and his bandmates have learned to use their skills better. Powers himself is an accomplished pianist and keyboard player, and was able to showcase his musicianship both by keeping true to the album tracks as well as venturing off into some jams.
The set drew heavily from Youth Lagoon's 2013 acclaimed release, Wondrous Bughouse. This material came across similarly to early Flaming Lips recordings from the Clouds Taste Metallic era. The highlight of the show was a very well-done rendition of "Mute" from Wondrous Bughouse, which, I dare say blew the studio track out of the water. These guys proved to me and the few hundred others in the venue that Youth Lagoon can indeed play well live.
Grade: B+
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