"Make Light", despite working patiently towards a satisfying hook, would've likely plateaued during its midsection, but Nate Donmoyer's live drums keep it skidding perilously towards an organic collapse Chunk of Change never allowed. The story of Manners, however, is how Passion Pit evolve from a one-man pet project to a fully fleshed concern that gives substance to Angelakos' melodic sensibilities over the course of more focused song lengths, more dynamic arrangements, and 40 minutes of joy-buzzer pushing.Ĭhunk of Change certainly had its rickety charms, but while "Make Light", "Moth's Wings", and "Eyes as Candles" retain the EP's building blocks- glycemic keyboards, insistent major keys, and falsetto- their compositional aspects go beyond what Passion Pit were capable of as a solo affair. Passion Pit are, after all, following a buzzed-about EP, Chunk of Change, that attracted detractors and admirers in equal measure. Now that we've gotten that out of the way, just about all of this works in Manners' favor, as it's the sort of heart-to-heart populist record that's every bit as sincere as it is infectious- though Angelakos sings in a manner rarely heard outside of a shower with unpredictable temperature control, it feels symbolic of a band that's completely unashamed, not shameless, in its pursuit of a human connection. There's an almost archaic belief that a record should have at least four singles and the nagging feeling that Passion Pit could just be another garage/emo band that traded in their guitars for samplers. Most of the time, singer Michael Angelakos' half-eunuch/half-Jeremy Enigk voice is likely voicing some sort of commentary on his feelings. It's extroverted, brash, and unconcerned with nuance, each synthesizer used for maximum melodic impact instead of texture. It's also distinctly, for a lack of a better term, American. Their approach to danceable rock music is more Friday night than year-end-list. Despite residing on the always trustworthy Frenchkiss, Passion Pit aren't cool. 2 on Billboard’s Top Alternative Albums chart in 2015.Even if the rock kids aren't doing the standing still as much these days, indie-friendly electro-pop bands are still liable to have their own backs against the wall- Hot Chip with their Urkel affectations, Junior Boys' overriding permafrost, Cut Copy and their unflappable cool. ∙ His upbeat anthem “Lifted Up (1985),” written to thank Angelakos’ then-wife for her support, helped propel Kindred to No. ∙ In 2013, Angelakos won the Beatrice Stern Media Award for launching The Wishart Group, which supports musicians’ mental health, and for his openness about living with bipolar disorder. 4 on the Billboard 200, charted in 7 other countries, and was named one of Rolling Stone’s Best Albums of 2012. ∙ Thanks to the hit “Take a Walk,” Gossamer reached No. ∙ The breakout single “Sleepyhead,” included on Chunk of Change and 2009’s Manners, has 10 million views and made Pitchfork’s Top 40 Music Videos of 2008 list. ∙ Angelakos formed Passion Pit when songs he wrote as a Valentine’s Day gift for his then-girlfriend (and later included on 2008’s Chunk of Change) earned buzz around Boston. Indie electronica outfit Passion Pit is the stage name for songwriter, keyboardist, and computer whiz Michael Angelakos, although other musicians tap in for shows and recording sessions.
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