A few years ago there was a boom for bands to go the way of Animal Collective and use heavy synthesizers or try MGMT and incorporate the synth with elements of a rock band to do something a little different. Then from left field, a group from Boston sprang up, with some energy, that had heavy synthesizers and plenty of rock band elements, calling themselves Passion Pit. I can’t lie to you, Avid Reader; I had their album Manners in 2009 with the intention of reviewing it but never did because I listened to it too much. Now they’ve returned with a new one and does it still hold my attention?
The origins of this band are kind of funny: mastermind Michael Angelakos created a mix tape for his girlfriend that made the rounds to folks in the club scene of Boston, got some radio play, and soon became most of the debut. You can tell in no short amount of time that Gossamer has a different shine to it and is a little more grown up then the bounce of Manners. Oh there is still plenty of bounce on the new one, but the songs seem a little darker at times and don’t always cause you to dance.
See for yourself: “Hideaway”,”Mirrored Sea”, “Constant Conversations”, “On My Way”, or the single “Take a Walk”. The band has grown up after spending a lot of the last two years on the road, recording, and elements of maturity ring through some of these tracks. Talking about kids and being married, moving on in your life, these are big steps for people and bands to take.
There are parts on this album that might catch you off guard as you expect the band to jump more and instead they go with a somber beat to guide you along. It is a strong second album and I think they have avoided that dreaded slump so many other bands fall in after so much success. If you bounced to the debut and grew up a bit in the last few years then you’d do well to pick this one up for some spins.
