PASSION PIT – GOSSAMER

Passion Pit’s Michael Angelakos previously brought us the memorable electro-pop anthem Sleepyhead.  Now he’s back with a lush second album Gossamer. Behind its danceable, saccharine sound, the album belies themes uncommon for the genre such as manic depression, suicide attempts and substance abuse. There’s nothing average about the maximalist record in which the electronic wunderkind blends his style of multi-layered sampling with a new clarity of vocals. Fans of Angelakos’ signature childlike, semi-muffled yell won’t be alienated – the sound is the same but the range has shifted and widened, making dark lyrics on songs like Cry Like a Ghost, Love is Greed and the festival-ready first single Take a Walk all the more pertinent. An added layer of intricacy is found in the wealth of inspirations that Angelakos draws from. Gossamer includes an orchestra, a cameo on Carried Away by Erato – the Swedish girl group (turned YouTube phenomenon), and an unexpected RnB slow jam track called Constant Conversations. Luckily, the wealth of references works, making for some of the most honest and expansive electro-pop produced in a while. ***

Written by Jerico Mandybur