Youth Lagoon’s sophomore album is a bold venture into a mind–melting, out–of–this–world atmosphere. While Youth Lagoon’s debut, "The Year of Hibernation," had mild psychedelic undertones, the darkness in "Wondrous Bughouse" seems to be fashioned out of a fascination with mysteries of the mind. With guitars bending, synthesizers abounding and drums dallying, the album succeeds in mimicking a mind that never turns off. With the circus sounds of “Attic Doctor” and “Sleep Paralysis” and the innocent vocals of the album’s first single, “Dropla,” Youth Lagoon’s simple melodies and poignant lyrics evoke Animal Collective’s sophisticated pop. Although the psychedelic atmosphere of the album is sometimes overwhelming, "Bughouse" confidently explores matters of the mind for better or for worse.
Grade: A–
Sounds best when: Laying on your bed in the dark with your eyes closed
99–cent download: “Attic Doctor”
