PASSION PIT
Slurring the lines between genres, Passion Pit’s electro-infused blend of indie-rock and synthetics has garnered the band considerable recognition since its 2007 debut. Perhaps most impressive is the group’s ability to juxtapose glittering pop instrumentals with falsetto vocals and guitar riffs that suggest the group’s rock influences. Passion Pit’s most recent album, Gossamer, features a blend of aggressive synth effects and keyboards, set to a steady beat, and strung together with concerning autobiographical lyrics. Though its latest single, “I’ll be Alright,” can be found climbing pop charts, the motivation seems a dark departure from the typical hip-hop club love ballads and whatever Taylor Swift sings about. But that’s not surprising. Gossamer’s long-awaited arrival comes as a result of front man Michael Angelakos ongoing battle with bi-polar disorder, which resulted in several cancelled tour dates and a prolonged return to recording. Despite the commercial effects of Angelakos’ personal struggles, the rawness of his frustration grounds Gossamer with a uniquely personal feel, one seemingly absent from earlier releases focused on power-pop appeal. Although some tracks verge on the edge of redundancy, the oxford collared band’s original style and energy excuses Passion Pit from a few overdone loops.
— Chelsea Rutledge