Trevor Powers

Mulberry Violence

You may be familiar with the work of Trevor Powers under the name Youth Lagoon. Having ended that project in 2016, Powers has revamped his style and sound into an artistry that is progressive and exudes confidence in his new musical direction. Mulberry Violence is a bone-shaking, experimental collection of Powers’ unanticipated evolution as a musician. The ominous and eerie mood is inspired by the travels Powers embarked on during his hiatus. His trip to the Czech Republic, specifically to the famous skull church embellished with human bones, gave inspiration to the epic opener “XTQ Idol.” Blunt piano chords under the layered and static vocals set the dark tonal atmosphere to the rest of the record. Raw and poetic, his lyrics convey a sense of striving to be better. Mulberry Violence does not stray far from Powers’ roots in Youth Lagoon; he continues to rely on dreamy synths and soaring, high-pitch vocals, but this time expands into the territory of electronic experimental pop. Powers has found a perfect balance between melodic sounds and a darker aesthetic. (Independent)