After slowly packing instruments onto the small stage at The Bowery Ballroom, Passion Pit’s set began like the shattering of a disco ball. A surge of electricity seared through the crowd as Michael Angelakos’s unique falsetto reached masterful heights, challenging the integrity of all the glass in the vicinity. An unparalleled amalgam of light, airy synths and subtle new wave and pop grooves, Passion Pit crafts happy music that makes you think and dance all at the same time.
Without a doubt, the intensity of the show is the real selling point. The set was loud and intricate, weaving synths and samples amongst keyboard, drum, bass, and the occasional tambourine. Beginning with “I’ve Got Your Number,” Angelakos’s shrill voice slinked between beats like teardrops. A slow, easy start gave way to a sweetly jarring climax.
Showcasing a few new songs in addition to cuts from the Chunk of Change EP, Passion Pit continued to impress with their undeniably charming danceability. Though they had only a handful of shows under their belt, the 5-piece would have had me fooled. From the first two beats of “Better Things,” I felt as if I could have accidentally stumbled into an indie version of Studio 54. Terribly addictive with it’s blissful beats, you couldn’t really help but follow Angelakos’s advice; “baby, don’t be unhappy, baby don’t be sad.”
One caveat: if you’re looking for an exact replica of the album when you go see Passion Pit you will inevitably be disappointed. If you keep an open mind though, you may like the live version better. Less refined as if they rubbed off a coat of glossy popness, the live versions manage to forge a rawer, jazzy fabric, absent the sheen of over-production. There’s no denying the instensely catchy refrain of “Better Things,” on Chunk of Change, but once you hear it live you’ll notice your complete inability to resist moving as your muscles twitch and your dancing feet itch.
For me, “Cuddle Fuddle,” was the perfect electro-serenade, supporting the rumored beginnings of their EP as a belated Valentine’s Day gift to Angelakos’s girlfriend. As he crooned romanticly, “Rupenzal Rupenzal, let down your hair,” the song built synth on synth as the lights flashed with a frenetic energy as if urging the crowd to dance harder and faster. Angelakos’s puffy, curly hair bounced wildly as he banged his head up and down in time with each note from his keyboard.
Nearing the end of the set, Angelakos gave his vocal chords one last workout as he screamed out “Sleepy Head” in falsetto, eyes closed shouting the refrain into the microphone. As the song that appears to be getting the most hype “Sleepy Head,” was anything but lethargic. A final, soulful dance explosion packed with a glistening array of textures, it was the perfect way to keep the intensity up towards the close of the night. And then, back down we came as Angelakos closed out the show with a solo encore. Alone at his keyboard, he finished the evening leaving us exhaused and hungry with anticipation for Passion Pit’s forthcoming full-length album.
Ugh. Paste’s profile of Free Energy made me kind of hate them. So does your review. It’s this unctuous defense of good-time rock-and-roll ("we’re just here to party, and we’re awesome!") that seems more self-serving than fun-loving.
by beth on Wed Mar 17, 2010 at 09.41 pm from the entry: Foreign Born + Free Energy - The Knitting Factory (Brooklyn, NY; Mar. 12, 2010)
that inescapable feeling you are referring to, is that like when you hear something and you could have sworn you heard it before because of the nostalgic catchy quality? or is is like when you’ve heard a band exactly like said band?
great post by the way!
by paul on Wed Mar 17, 2010 at 03.15 pm from the entry: The Novel Ideas - "The Sky Is A Field" - Borrow It
Whoa! I had no idea she was enegaged. You would never know with the way she behaves! Wow!
by art on Wed Mar 17, 2010 at 09.48 am from the entry: Nikki Darlin and John McCauley: 1+1=1
This comment stream is so meta. Great review Kelly.
by chris on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 07.50 pm from the entry: Flying Lotus - "Cosmogramma" - Buy It
no prob. The whole album is excellent, combining some of the harder sonics of Los Angeles with the meat of his debut and obviously difficult to summarize in only 50 words… 
I’d say it’s on par with the debut, but better than Los Angeles.
by kelly on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 06.23 pm from the entry: Flying Lotus - "Cosmogramma" - Buy It
By the way, I really liked the mp3 posted. Thanks.
by Joshua H on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 06.17 pm from the entry: Flying Lotus - "Cosmogramma" - Buy It
WHO WROTE THIS...PUKE ! “WHO WROTE THIS...PUKE ! “Picture yourself coasting your bike past space funk palm trees, homeless harpists, vintage video arcades, electronic drum circles, and 60s psychedelic singers who’re waiting for the bus. Cosmogramma is kinda like that if someone suddenly tripped you just as you’re starting to enjoy the ride. But in a good way.””
by Joshua H on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 06.17 pm from the entry: Flying Lotus - "Cosmogramma" - Buy It
yes Passion Pit. You go Boston. Great description of Angelakos’ voice.
i saw that show!! great review-it really hits the nail on the head!