Passion Pit was formed in 2007 and in 2008, their debut EP, Chunk of Change hit the airwaves. Most recently, they released their first full length album, Manners. Beyond the bouncing melodies, energetic percussion, and toe-tapping rhythms, lies the high-pitched vocals of Michael Angelakos. His lyrics are anything but what you might expect from a heavily synthesized electronic band, copiously laced with emotion, depth, and lots of spirit.
The Contents of Manners
The eleven track album, Manners, hit number fifty-one on the US Billboard 200 and Clashmusic.com went as far as to say that it "has every chance to rank as one of the year’s best." Coming with high praise, Manners is everything but boring. It's an exhilarating collection of tracks including the head bopping single, “Sleepyhead.” Angelakos shouts, “My beard grew down to the floor/ and out through the doors / Of your eyes begonia skies / like a sleepyhead.”
The effervescent “Little Secrets” sends one back to the eighties - side ponytail, tie dye, and acid wash jeans complete. Haunting in its own right, “Swimming in the Flood” is pure sophistication with an earnest beat that leaves one pressing the repeat button. While the five man band could easily be compared to their east coast brothers MGMT, Passion Pit has sincerely and confidently created a name for themselves in the electronic music world.
Itunes and To Kingdom Come
Itunes sells Manners under the genre “alternative” while it is clearly electronic. However, the recently released single, “To Kingdom Come” is reminiscent of modern day alternative rock meets old school Bruce Springsteen. This song is the perfect example of the depths to which Passion Pit's lyrics will go with the second verse, “Never have I ever been / Clutching at your hair to cure you of some sin / But that's the kind of state I'm in / Swimming in a pool of godly medicine.”
If there were ever a band that could be filed in the underrated drawer, Passion Pit is one of them. Produced by Chris Zane and Alex Aldi, Manners is a superb, eclectic mixture of hyperbolical synths, appealing melodies, and substance driven lyrics.
A far cry from the lap-top mic created EP, Chunk of Change, Manners is the soundtrack of action; Whether one is partying the night away, driving across town, or relaxing at home alone. Passion Pit is currently on tour until mid-fall. Their tour dates can be viewed here.
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