Gossamer

Michael Angelakos is a fascinating individual. Shortly after I purchased this album, I heard an interview with him on Sound Opinions, and I was kind of blown away with his honesty. Jim and Greg talk to him *at length* about his bipolar disorder and how his mental health issues had dominated his life in recent years.One of the things that's easy to overlook about this album (and Passion Pit in general) is the striking contrast between the sound and the lyrics: the tempo is upbeat, the sound is chipper, the hooks massive - but underneath it all, the lyrics are stark and deeply depressing at times. Passion Pit music feels like an embodiment of Angelakos's own self-described experiences, with echoes of lyrical despair thinly veiled behind a layer of exuberant sound.Let's back up: "Gossamer" is "pop," with a huge dose of electronics thrown in for good measure. This describes a lot of music these days, but even discarding the lyrics, Angelakos injects layers of sound that elevate Passion Pit beyond the standard fare you're likely to hear on Clearchannel. The sound: huge! The hooks: killer! But, as Angelakos says, Passion Pit songs take the "long way" to get there, and the payoff is all the greater for it.Bottom line: Passion Pit is simply incredible. And this album is simply incredible. Buy it.

I picked up a used copy of Passion Pit's first CD "Manners" on a whim -- the rainbow-ribbon cover looked intriguing, thought I'd give it a shot. Loved just about everything about it, including (if not especially) the two surprisingly chill acoustic renditions. Also hugely enjoy "Little Secrets." Only down side to "Manners" was singer's falsetto could be a little thin & grating on the aural nerves at times. In any case, I've been eagerly awaiting "Gossamer" for a long time, knew it would be amped up based on hearing "Take a Walk" on local radio.Man, I thought "Manners" was thick & heavy in the synth department, but "Gossamer" often goes for all-out wall of electronica, rivaling M83 for "most heavily layered multi-mega-tracked synth bomb" or something like that. Been listening regularly for a couple months now, wavered back & forth between 4 & 5 stars. 4 stars would be attributable to catchy but vacuous pop tracks like "Carried Away" and "Hideaway" -- a little too reminiscent of Lightning Seeds, maybe played at 45 RPM when it should be 33. Also could have used a few stripped-down acoustic versions such as grace "Manners," but alas, "Gossamer" is a bit too dedicated to being LOUD and UP.But I had to go 5 stars based primarily on the lyrical & musical triumph "Take a Walk," the goofy/groovy retro-70s grind and catchy chorus of "Cry Like a Ghost," and the undeniable strength of the last 3 tracks, which rival any back-to-back-to-back triple shot you'll ever hear on any synth album ever. "Love is Greed" is so happy & boppy & joyously backgrounded with female choral vocals that you'll almost miss the surprisingly melancholy lyrics."Where We Belong" is the perfect coda to an album that is a most curious fusion of lyrical ambivalence and musical transcendence."It's Not My Fault, I'm Happy" is the closest thing I've got to a personal anthem right now. Can't get enough of the shimmering keyboard washes and driving bass. The singer (mostly) checks his falsetto at the door and is content to whisper-vocalize, except for the bridge, which he seems to cede to the background ladies, and the rousing chorus, where he harmonizes with them. Musical brilliance, well done!It's not fair, it's not fair -- still I'm the only one who seems to care...

I was first drawn to Passion Pit by its song "Sleepyhead" and completely hooked with "Moth's Wings" causing me to buy their first full length album, "Manners". Of course, when heard they had a new album, I had to buy it. This new album did not disappoint. For those who are already into Passion Pit, you already know some of their songs are quite unique and may take a couple listens to digest and eventually grow on you but this one has several that grab onto you right away. My personal favorite (and you may of already heard it on the radio) is the opening song, "Take a Walk" which really hits home with me as it is about things going wrong and blowing off steam/getting away for a moment. Anyway, if you are a Passion Pit fan or just want to try something new or unique, I would recommend you giving this album a shot.

I recently attended a Passion Pit Concert At the Greek after seeing the group on Jimmy Kimmel and they were great. Quite a range of sound and styles, some very unexpected as the lead singer will hit highs and sing in that tone for the length of his whole song. Though that is not how his voice really sounds it has got to be allot of effort to do it for many songs as he does.So I had to purchase their albums as they are the background on many ads both in radio and TV Similar to The Black Eyed Peas and Maroon 5. Very catchy and talented and I hope they produce another album soon as they took quite awhile to come out with this last one which I think they can top if they are as good as I believe!

Every time I buy an album by Passion Pit I usually buy it because there are a few major singles that I really like on it. But after I listen to the whole album I come to love absolutely every single song on it! Michael Angelakos truly has an original and pleasant musical talent that, while sometimes seemingly frustratingly similar to his other work (understandably since it's all his work...), definitely stands out from other artists.

Because I loved "I Take a Walk" after hearing it multiple times on the radio, I was excited to download the album. After listening to it, however, I don't find that the mood of that single song is carried over with other songs on the album except with the possibility of "Carried Away". It is okay, but I wouldn't rush to download this. Yes, the music is interesting and unique, but there isn't another tune on the album that is quite as catchy or addictive as "I Take a Walk" ("Carried Away" is catchy too, but has a different vibe).

Bought it for my sister as I had already listened to "Take a Walk" and "Carried Away", which are both very catchy and feel good songs which put me at ease. I can also listen to the album and download it through Amazon Music which is really nice, as you can buy albums as presents but still have them yourself and listen to them! Would recommend this album if you like Passion Pit's style of music!

Gossamer is just another wonderful work by american band Passion Pit. It's very different from their earlier material - Michael seems to be getting some new perspective on his life and maybe some more empathy towards the people around him, so the lyrics here are far less self-centered that they were in previous works. What I enjoyed the most about this album is the bittersweetness all over it; you listen to the beat and you think it's a happy song, but the message the lyrics are sending is something unexpected. Not quite sad, just very self-aware.It's a really good album, and I think a lot of people will relate to it, deeply. I definetely have.

I didn't know Passion Pit before buying this album and got it on the strength of Take A Walk, and their tune for Twilight. I'm really glad I did because it's an excellent record. I don't mind admitting that I'm more interested in the melody rather than analysing lyrics, and this album has several very strong tunes. Not My Fault I'm Happy is probably my favourite track. I love the female harmonies that run through the album like a theme.

I listened to this quite a bit on Spotify and then decided to buy it. There are some wonderful uplifting tracks and makes me feel good.

I've been a Passion Pit fan ever since I first heard 'Sleepyhead' in my friend's car years ago. I like this new album too, favourites being 'Carried Away', 'Hideaway' and 'Love is Greed'. I'd recommend this album to anyone who has liked their previous work or who is interested in electronic/melodic type indie pop. Also their lyrics are pretty ace :)