On Our Stereo: Passion Pit - Manners

The latest 'On Our Stereo' feature focuses on Cambridge, Massachusetts' Passion Pit's debut full-length, 'Manners'.

Usually I stay away from the indie-electro scene, however after reading various blogs and websites and finally hearing Passion Pit on my brother's small local radio show (there's a cheap plug for you there bro), I decided to give 'Manners' a listen.

My pre-conception that it would be over-the-top electro with guitars thrown in here and there. Thankfully this was not the outcome. Instead 'Manners' is a record that leaves you in awe, with its mix of subtle keyboards and strong vocal harmonies. The electronic elements are layered cleverly, and do not distract you from Michael Angelakos' vocals yet at the same time control the direction of each track.

Over the course of 11 tracks, Passion Pit blend a somewhat 80's tone, with modern day production and structure. It is a clever combination that will make you play this record over and over again, that by the end of the year it could be a strong contender for album of the year.

The key tracks to listen to would be opener 'Make Light', 'The Reeling', 'Swimming In The Flood', 'To Kingdom Come' and 'Sleepyhead'.

'Manners' by Passion Pit is available now via Columbia.

Sean Reid