Passion Pit: Gossamer

     Passion Pit is part of a surprisingly critical paradigm shift that has occurred in the last three years.  They are part of a troupe of electro-pop artists who walk the fine line between pop sound and sensibility, and artistic integrity.  Passion Pit, along with similar artists (Phoenix Miike Snow are what come to mind), show that a group can be both glossy and credible.  To prove that Passion Pit is not merely and point in time, the band released its prestigious sophomore album, Gossamer.

     Gossamer has an interesting juxtaposition within the album.  Behind the carefree synth beats, lies some pretty heavy topics.  Throughout the album, Passion Pit exercises their opinions and memoirs on political strife,  substance abuse issues, depression and suicide, and domestic abuse.  Despite the danceable lyrics, lead vocalist Michael Angelakos uses his band as a platform to exercise his personal demons.  While the instrumentation may combat the self-destructive nature of the lyrics, it shows that Passion Pit is so far evolved from the typical club music act.  The deeply personal, obviously biographical, lyrics transcend what many club acts are creating, and subsequently adds credibility for the sub-genre under the microscope.

     Musically, Gossamer displays a significant, albeit cloaked, maturation.  The basic Passion Pit formula is present, but far more textured and complex.  The band experiments with tempos and sound to create moodier songs than the debut effort.  By doing this, Gossamer keeps its' high-octane electro vibe, while still remaining calm and cerebral; perfectly complimenting Angelakos' lamenting lyrics.  Conversely, but no less important, the complex synths also create an atmospheric chaos that goes hand and with the downer lyrics.  The effect is mesmerizes the listener, as it evokes a dark nostalgic disposition as it plays.   Once again, showing the Passion Pit's willingness to push themselves outside their comfort zone, and experiment with their music.  

     Gossamer is a fantastic album, and a perfect benchmark for the world we live.  As it delicately walks the line between sleek fun and complete disaster, listeners will be reminded of their own world.  Everyone walks their own balance between emotions, and squints to see their own blurry line that separates revelry with bedlam.  As we listen, and take stock in our own lives, Gossamer reminds us all just how blurry that line can be.  Easily one of the best albums of 2012.