Passion Pit - Gossamer

Passion Pit
Gossamer
Columbia (2012)
By Hannah Stahl

Passion Pit, the up-and-coming indie-pop band from Massachusetts, has really set up shop in the indie music scene these past couple of years, especially following the release of their first LP, Manners. The album put Passion Pit on the board for notable bands to keep an eye on, for their upbeat music would set them apart and send them to the forefront. Passion Pit’s second career LP, Gossamer, is an upbeat summer soundtrack, transporting us upon a push of the play button to the happiest corner of the earth, where misery and despair do not exist.

The playful tempo recalls vivid images of sunny days so full of fun and laughter that you can’t help but turn it up and enjoy life. One would never guess that the lead vocalist, Michael Angelakos, suffers from severe bipolar disorder that, at times, can be deliberating, leaving him hung up in bed for weeks at a time. He uses his music to express the distress he’s been through and when listening to the lyrics that becomes very evident. In the song “Constant Conversations,” Angelakos sings of being bedridden with heartbreak and dealing with not wanting to hurt the one he loves with his condition. This also happens to be one of the slower tracks on the album, with a groovy beat that temporarily lulls the album's momentum.

The album covers a variety of these serious topics that are often overlooked when just listening to the album as background music. For example, the first track on the album, “Take a Walk,” tells a story of bad investments and events that lead the singer into financial troubles. But Angelakos juxtaposes this story with the ultimate idea that if one hangs on and continues to roll with the punches, eventually good will come.

When asked in an interview what he hoped to get across in the album, Angelakos responded, “Don’t give up… if you hold on and don’t throw in the towel, you’ll find something that works for you.” The tunes deserve a listen from anyone who is looking for new, fresh, feel-good music to add to their playlist. Overall, the catchy, energized melodies make you want to smile and enjoy life with people that make you equally as happy.