Youth Lagoon @ Union Transfer.

Text and images by Grace Dickinson.

Youth Lagoon has come a long way since 22-year-old musician Trevor Powers first came to Philadelphia back last October. By the time he played his second Philly show in November at Milkboy, the Boise native was already bigger than the band (Gardens & Villa) he originally opened for here at Kung Fu Necktie a month earlier.

Now more popular than ever, Powers made his way back for a third visit this past Monday, stopping at the city’s newest music venue, Union Transfer.

“Every time, this place reminds me of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater,” said Powers before delving into one of the tracks off his 2011 album, The Year of Hibernation. “Not sure why. It’s a great city.”

Playing alongside his “good friend” Logan on guitar, Powers pulsed over his keyboard, looking like one of those inflatable dolls you see at car dealerships that continuously bounce with the wind.

His innocently expressive lyrics about growing up, interspersed with campground ventures, rooftop hangouts and campus love, were sung to a crowd made up mainly of young hipsters and college kids who could easily relate.

“What are you all drunk on?” Powers called out to a group of drunk, barely-20-somethings standing near the front. “Who said PBR?” “PBR’s great stuff. You’re my man.”