Passion Pit: Gossamer
Passion Pit: Gossamer– We know it all too well. Those lonely, troublesome days where no matter what you do, your brain is permanently programmed to ‘emotional overload,’ and all it craves is some release from the pain of all that overwhelms us in this world. Vocalist Michael Angelakos has been living with the demons of his emotions since making it big in 2009, and lyrically portrays the trials and tribulations of all things with love and life that are beautifully tragic in Passion Pit’s newest album, Gossamer. Michael, along with the other Cambridge natives Ian Hultquist, Xander Singh, Jeff Apruzzese and Nathan Donmoyer that make up Passion Pit, take us through a poetically empowering journey that starts from track 1 and leaves the mind in an uplifting, unbreakable dream-state all the way through track 12.
With a Beatles-like sound layered on top of synthesized techno-pop foundations, Passion Pit’s tracks mix the best influences of old with the most fantastic sounds of modern dance jams. And with tracks that connote hardships and the darkest of times, the upbeat, feel-good vibes bring the perfect juxtaposition of emotional irony that doesn’t fail to satisfy.
The hard hits and fun synthesized sounds that make up their first (and my favorite) song on the album, ‘Take a Walk’ are a prime example of this contradiction. The troubling verses depict a family in financial crisis trying to front that they’re okay, while the lively and buoyant chorus advises them to solve their problems by just talking a walk and moving forward. The perfect anthem to all of life’s trying times. ‘Constant Conversations’ brings a new, but consistent vibe to the album with a laid-back, hip-hop influence at the beginning that transitions into a joyous, full-blown choir chorus. ‘Where we Belong’ is the closest track to a ballad. With a mood that isn’t quite as somber as the typical ballad, the emotional sensitivity is made apparent with the forgiving violin strokes and a kind of scatter-brained dissonance found in the syncopated static noise bridging grief with hope. A message Michael relays when he sings, “Who says that God exists? We can’t see icons or myths, but well, I believe in you. Do you believe in me, too?” …”All the things you can’t control should never destroy the love one holds. I found a place where we belong.”
And while those troublesome days seem to never end, a spark of enlightenment finds its way. With a little help of tracks embodying all that is real, raw and honest, Passion Pit’s, Gossamer won’t have a problem finding a place where it belongs…8.7/10