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A shriek can be a whisper Sep 15, 2009
Dance music is often demonized as a couple of preprogrammed computers blasting out noise for brainless fun. It is hard to argue with that after scanning just the names listed in playlists across radio stations, but sometimes the hype is worth paying some attention to and in this case Passion Pit clears out some of the clouds and adds new ones, for a change.
Let's begin by saying that this is a band, let alone a record, that one either loves or hates. There is no gray in this case and the main reason is the most obvious distinction: singer Michael Angelakos's shrill can be annoying in a matter of seconds. If one makes it past the first track, though, the cadence grows from repetitive to enjoyable.
Their debut EP Chunk of change showed what a man alone could accomplish and the potential to create something cohesive, if not memorable. In Manners the logical constrictions have been scrapped with the inclusion of a full band, specially a precise rhythm section that will keep the record animated to the end. Make light is a suitable opener that does not give a chance to rest and is followed by Little secrets, a justice-sounding track that has summer hit written all over it. Once lead single The reeling hits us in a two-part main course along with To kingdom come we are already hooked. Not only this is music impossible to dislike but the singalong factor is everywhere and that neglected feeling of a sans-worry Friday night crawls back in as if summoned by foot stumping and hand clapping.
There are many old tricks used to enhance the party mood: children choirs, the blending of melody and hard-pumping dance beats, the mixing of fast and slow tempo that are so effective in holding attention through eleven tracks. Sleepyhead, an import from that impressive EP, gives a clue of what can be achieved with simplicity. One of the standout moments of the record adequately brought back to life here.
All music snobbery aside Manners is a full length without any original offerings, the examples can be named to death but they would do nothing to distract from its attractiveness. Far from being perfect or polished Angelakos has delivered one of the most delicious soundtracks for summertime. If only for the joy factor and the hope that things will sort themselves out tomorrow this is a winner.
 A Wonderful Discovery! Sep 04, 2009
If you like Electronica based music with great melodies, and fun lyrics... this will feel your desires with new fresh visions of love and wanting to be in love... on a musical table set with a feast for your ears! A great discovery no doubt!
Pure & Simple Aug 26, 2009
I sought this album out for "The Reeling." Sampling the other tracks led me to buy the whole album. I wasn't disappointed. The music's pure and simple synth pop. "Folds in your hands" is as strong as the reeling hit. The ninth track reminded me of the Avalanches. Infectiously fun, you won't be disappointed.
Breakout Album of 2009? Aug 16, 2009
I'm probably not adding very much to the discussion of this album, but Passion Pit fall in line with other popular electro-pop/indie dance/callitwhatyouwill groups such as MGMT. They produce upbeat, fun music with some pretty awesome samples. The best tracks on the album are clearly The Reeling and Sleepyhead, the latter of which was also featured in Passion Pit's 2008 EP Chunk of Change. I think that for this type of music the clips probably do the songs decent justice, but if you're not sure yet maybe get those two tracks and go from there. If you like this album some other acts you should probably check out are: Miike Snow, Discovery, Hot Chip, and Starf****r.
My album of the summer Aug 04, 2009
Despite having been an Amazon customer almost from the beginning, I've never written a review before, but I HAD to chime in on this album. I listen to a lot of catchy stuff -- to give you a clue where I'm coming from, some of my favorite bands of the past five years have been Cut Copy, New Pornographers, Junior Boys and Ladyhawke -- but this is easily the catchiest album I've picked up this year.
If you are a fan of synth-laden pop -- complete with the occasional Arcade Fire flourish and children's chorus (no, I'm not kidding -- I usually hate them, but they fit right in here) -- and the lead singer's falsetto doesn't immediately make you flee the room screaming, get this album. Alas, there are no song samples on Amazon for you to try out now, which is odd -- I downloaded this album from Amazon for $3.99 a couple of months ago. Find the videos for "The Reeling" and "Sleepyhead" on YouTube. Listen to them a couple of times. If you like those, take the plunge. Admittedly, they are the best songs on the album, but "Make Light" and "Little Secrets" are also fantastic, and the rest of the album will probably have you singing along (or trying to, anyway).
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