Passion Pit - "Gossamer"

Artist: Passion Pit

Album: Gossamer

Label: Columbia Records

Release Date: July 24, 2012

Review by: Sean Kayden

            Hailing from Cambridge, Massachusetts, electropop darlings Passion Pit find themselves bursting back onto the scene with “Gossamer,” the successor to their 2009 breakthrough album, “Manners”. For this go around, Passion Pit will have some catching up to do since within the three years between albums, a multitude of artists have come onto the playing field with similar identities. Fortunately, from what I can tell, the band has evolved in a substantial and remarkable sort of way. Simply put, “Gossamer” is pure awesomeness for the summer season. It’s glorious, beautiful, amazing in every aspect. It’s brighter and bubblier than their last outing, which is saying a whole lot if you’re already familiar with their previous material. Passion Pit mixes synthesizers, tweaked post-production vocals, funky beats, the occasional R&B vibe and an overall pop sound that is exceptionally revitalizing. “Gossamer” is a smashingly high-quality record that should cater to both indie and mainstream fans equally.

            The album kicks off with “Take A Walk”. After the initial twenty five seconds of a light, twinkle sort of arrangement, the song explodes into heart pounding drumbeats and an uplifting sound. It’s as if you’re feet are raised off the ground because the vibe is that much exhilarating. “I’ll Be Alright” starts off in similar fashion to songs off “Manners”—ultra fast squealing beats that resemblances the sound of a little kid trying to speak. Those shrieking beats are scattered throughout the song, but the majority of the duration provides something much more satisfying to the ears. This is the product that should be plastered on the radio, TV commercials, rom-com flicks or wherever else. It seriously has the potential of being a massive hit. The fun seriously never stops for its 48 minutes of length. While some people may mistake the album for being grandiloquent in nature, I absolutely love the overblown sound. The high flowing energy “Gossamer” brings to the table is not only mind-blowing, but also commendable on Passion Pit’s part. They slow down a bit in the R&B inspired tune, “Constant Conversations”. It’s a welcoming small departure that’s smooth, sexy, and is easily superior to anything that’s been released by artists who are confined to that genre as their dominant stomping ground.

            I’ve heard quite a few albums that start off strong and can’t keep up the momentum. Without any trepidation I can honestly say Passion Pit keeps their sophomore album with great impetus. Sure, the second half is noticeably more downbeat, softer, and heartfelt. It’s still a wonderful experience to be a part of and there aren’t any noticeable faults from Passion Pit. They’ve honestly crafted an indelible second album for any given genre. The closing track, “Where We Belong,” calms you down and creates this undeniable catharsis. It’s the deepest of cuts that’s affecting and reflective. It’s an appropriate end to what is an unexpectedly terrific album from beginning to end. Passion Pit has pulled off an outstanding feat with “Gossamer”. There’s no sophomore slump here, people. The illustrious crown is given rightfully so to Passion Pit for their tremendous efforts of not only expanding upon their artistic abilities, but pushing the envelope even further. The record outdoes its predecessor in every imaginative way possible and ends up being the closest thing to a pop masterpiece in quite sometime.

Grade: 9.0 out of 10

Key Tracks: “Take A Walk”, “I’ll Be Alright”, “Carried Away”, “Mirrored Sea” 

Published by Mountain Views News on July 21, 2012
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n29/p12.htm