SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: PASSION PIT – GOSSAMER

Passion Pit
Gossamer
Sony Music Canada

For pop artists like Passion Pit, the ability to be undeniably honest in his art form has always been important to singer/songwriter Michael Angelakos, no matter how uncomfortable. When 2012’s Gossamer came onto the scene, Passion Pit captured complex emotions and situations under the beautiful guise of great dance beats and ornamental soundscapes that took listeners to places that feel pure and oneiric. Gossamer was more than just a genuine work of art, but Passion Pit’s honest way of exploring the world and the shadowy, perplexing emotions we feel daily. Passion Pit has recently launched an updated digital version of the album for the 10th anniversary of the release, which includes two exclusive tracks, “American Blood” and “Almost There”. These tracks were previously only available on the 2012 Japanese CD release as bonus tracks but are now accessible worldwide for the first time.

From the beginning of Gossamer, these feelings of instrumental happiness coat the seedy underbelly of things falling apart and start to take shape with “Take A Walk”. While some artists like to embellish some of the truths of their stories, solo artist Michael Angelakos is not one to sugarcoat any of his own experiences, something he exhibits impressively throughout the record.

Songs like “I’ll Be Alright” and “Carried Away” show the undeniable struggle and loss of control that Angelakos went through in the event of personal problems. Most he felt were caused by himself, others looked back on through the memories of his past; nonetheless, it catapulted the pain and anxiety that shaped this record.

“Constant Conversations”, “Mirrored Sea”, and “Cry Like A Ghost” show a level of kaleidoscopic instrumental creativity while remaining open and honest about the conversations he is trying to have with his audience about the guilt and pain that are bubbling below the surface as the album progresses.

“On My Way”, “Hideaway”, “Two Veils To Hide My Face”, and “It’s Not My Fault, I’m Happy” show this gorgeous musical battle of trying to regain control from a dark place and that tiring constant battle it takes to get there. That space where you are treading on thin ice, showing the world one face, and inside, there is a whirlwind of different emotions, and there is no one to blame but yourself, before ending the journey with the last three tracks.

The digital release ends with “Where We Belong”, and bonus tracks “Almost There” and “American Blood.” A celestial blend of energy, tenebrous elements, and pop at the heart each experience, Passion Pit makes it a point to orchestrate some of the best moments of their craft at the very end of the album, showing just how talented this pop powerhouse is.

Gossamer was forever a game changer for Passion Pit and for the pop genre and it still is to this day. Using its raw and honest lyricism while effortlessly blending twinkling, dark, and kinetic dance elements to convey heavy messages throughout the record, Gossamer stands out as one of Passion Pit’s best releases in Angelakos’ career.

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