Sunday Run Album ReviewI feel like I've been getting away from the "mainstream indie" part of this blog's original mission. Local music, Asbury Park, the saga of my broken mobile phone: all stuff that's been on my mind lately, but I think I've gotten a little off-topic.
I resolved, therefore, this weekend to take a look at one of the big releases from the last few weeks. Passion Pit are one of those synth-heavy bands that fall outside the boundaries of my normal listening. After thinking about it, though, I was reminded that I absolutely loved "The Reeling," "Sleepyhead," and "Little Secrets" from their debut album, 2009's Manners. I decided I'd take Gossamer out on a hot, hot run on both Saturday and Sunday.
From the church-like synths that open the album and lead into "Take a Walk"'s march of immigrant hardship, Gossamer moves through the sounds of 80's synth pop on "Carried Away," slow grooving R&B -- perfect for a hot day on the pavement -- on "Constant Conversations," and Soft Bulletin-era Flaming Lips on "Love Is Greed." The overall effect is cinematic, almost like a soundtrack.
The plot of the story revolves around frontman, Michael Angelakos, beating himself up over his failings. "You should go if you want to," he sings to his partner on "I'll Be Alright;" "This madness is my fault alone," on "On My Way;" "Hurting her is too maddening," on "Hideaway." All of this is bathed in soaring, sometimes extremely upbeat-sounding, synths and Passion Pit's trademark high-pitched and distorted vocals.
Only on album-closer "Where We Belong" does Angelakos get a little slack. "All the things you can't control should never destroy your love or hopes... I found a place where we belong." Sounds like she's staying after all.
I'm a little surprised at how much I like this record. It's full of a lot more emotion than I'd usually expect from music that relies so heavily on electronics and vocal effects. The record, though, is dense with warmth and feeling. It also sounds just great.
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