Stats
Biography
Passion Pit arose out of a Valentine's Day gift, a collection of songs written by Angelakos (lead vocals, keyboards) to his then-girlfriend. The songs impressed his friends, encouraging Angelakos to pursue his music, adding further members to create a full band. The songs he had written soon became the material for Passion Pit's debut EP, "Chunk of Change," which was released in September 2008, on Frenchkiss Records. The band gathered momentum, finding critical praise, gaining support slots with acts such as Death Cab for Cutie.
Following the EP release, Columbia took notice, agreeing to joint-release their debut record, "Manners" alongside Frenchkiss, hitting the shelves in May 2009. The album went on to be hugely successful, with Passion Pit becoming one of the top indie acts of the year. Songs from the album were featured on a host of television programs in the US and the UK, with Passion Pit becoming festival favorites that summer.
It was not until 2012 that Passion Pit returned with new music, releasing their second effort, "Gossamer," in July 2012. The album continued to find Passion Pit critical success and popularity, touring extensively after its release. The album peaked at number four in the US charts, as well as charting highly in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. A brief hiatus ensued in 2012, due to illness, with Passion Pit not returning to live performances until 2013. Passion Pit then began work on a new album in 2014, with an expected release of April 2015.
Live reviews
It was a Wednesday night but that didn’t stop the throngs of people from packing the Wiltern to see the indie/alternative bands Atlas Genius and Passion Pit perform. Nearly a month before my friend and I had bought tickets on a whim when we saw that two of our favorite artists would be playing so close to USC’s campus and despite the work we had due the next day we went anyways. As it was my first time at The Wiltern I didn’t know what to expect but I instantly fell in love with the venue’s cozy, intimate feel. Atlas Genius opened up the show with a pulsing song from their debut album When It Was Now titled “Symptoms.” This Australian four-piece combined songs from both their freshman and sophomore albums and managed to keep fans dancing along to hits such as “If So” and “Trojans” while also introducing them to newer material off of their recently released record Inanimate Objects. “Stockholm” and “Molecules” were two songs that stood out the most to me out of all the others from their current album. Their vibrant stage presence matches the upbeat nature of most of their music and even when shifting from guitar-centered songs to electronically-based ones the entire set felt like it fit perfectly together.
As good as Atlas Genius’ performance was that night, when Passion Pit took the stage the Wiltern exploded with the synth pop sounds of “Little Secrets” and colorful light effects that resulted in a deafening scream from almost every person in the room (myself included). In terms of who put on a better show, Passion Pit succeeded by far. It was impossible to remain seated for even a second because song after song they played hits from all three of their albums. Michael Angelakos’ falsetto reverberated around the venue singing his beautifully frank lyrics on love, loss, hope, and hopelessness. Personal favorites from this set include “The Reeling,” “Constant Conversations,” “Where the Sky Hangs,” and of course the closing song “Take A Walk.” The flashing light effects, bright colors, pop melodies and electronic elements all combined to make this one of the best concerts of the year for me and after seeing them live they made me fall in love with their music all over again.
I was super excited to go to see Passion Pit play live. Their music just make you feel so good! The venue was nice and small, you might even say cozy. Perfect environment to see these guys ply their craft.
These guys aren't what you would ordinarily expect from and indie-electronic band. So many of the other bands in this genre have a louder, harsher, electronic sound. With Passion Pit you almost get a throwback to the seventies/eighties.
Frontman Michael Angelakos had the crowd from the beginning, his high pitched singing accompanied by the funky-electronic music perfectly. There is definitely a retro meets future vibe with the band, it's what sets them apart from the pack and makes for a really good listen. The beats hit you in the face in pleasant manner, especially when they sang "Little Secrets".
The crowd loved it and nearly to a person everyone was dancing and having a great time. At times it was wasn't like we were at a concert, it was like we were at a party and this was the fantastic private band paid to perform that we would all be telling our friends about the next day. That's the amount of intimacy that was present at the show, when Michael Angelakos sang it felt like he was looking and singing to only you. Great show, great band!
The Massachusetts indie-rockers Passion Pit have built an international reputation since their incarnation in 2007 and although their two albums are full of solid indie pop, their live show also helps with the cult mentality of the fan base.
Both the first two releases missed the UK top 40 yet you would believe they both went platinum with the amount of people crammed into the forum in London. Hushed whispers and excited chatter fills the room before the shimmering introduction begins, the lights fall and the boys practically jog onto stage. Starting with two of their most known songs 'Take A Walk' and 'The Reeling' was a risky move but with energy at fever pitch, frontman Michael Angelakos had the audience exactly where he wanted them and guides them through the rest of the gig in this state of excitement.
A jovial frontman who constantly interacts with his crowd, he turns the atmosphere of a cold London night into pure summer with the shining pop stylings of 'Love Is Greed' and 'I'll Be Alright'. The audience stamps their feet and cheers in unison to coax the band into returning which they do and perform an upbeat rendition of 'Little Secrets' and the audience are left signing and swaying along.
TAKE A WALK DOOODODOOODODODODODOOODODODODOODODODOOOOODODODODODOODODODODODODODODODODODODODODOODODODODODODOD I Love this song and you all because of forza horizon 1 when i used to race in my nissan gtr 98' to this song. my friends say im no good at racing games but trust me i dare you to hop in an s class agaisnt me round watkins glenn short circuit alt. anyway thats irrelevant because i have no friends, but what i do have is a passion for the pit (get it aha) really hope you guys go on tour again real soon be sure to come to walpole park, plenty of talent here inclduing queens park raisins acedmeny, check them out on yuotube anyway thats all from me fellas speak to you soon bye xxxxxxx
Didn't get to enjoy the show because the venue didn't like my camera. It met all their posted requirements as well as those verified over the phone: non-professional, non-SLR camera, with no removable lens. They refused me entrance because it was "too focusy" (whatever that means) or that it had too much zoom (it has zero zoom... it's a 35mm camera that sticks out a little in the front).
The manager then came over and pulled a Bugs Bunny trick to make me go away. He asked "Is that lens removable?" No. "Then you can't bring it in." (WTF? That's the opposite of your policy.)
I'm a huge fan and wanted a live pic. I got no pic and no show. :( $85 lost for nothing.
Opener, Low Energy, was very inappropriate for this group. Other opener, Slender Bodies, was much better. Their music was fantastic!! Passion Pit did not begin until 10:38. They played until 11:45. Did several older songs and only a few new ones. Did not really put on a show. He sang the songs! Disappointing. Music was too f......ing loud(always at the Fillmore!).
Bought a new tshirt. Disappointed not selling new album! Love their music, but wasn't worth waiting in the cold, bad opener, long wait for them, not much new music!
Last night was amazing. The crowd vibe was electric, opening acts were good, and as expected, the music was awesome. Angelakos was very fun and interactive with the crowd.
Only caveat is that the show ran longer than expected (8:30 to 11:45), but honestly, I'm just still impressed that they could all go for so long.
This was probably among the best concerts that I've been to so far, and while I have always quite liked Passion Pit, each aspect of the band"s performance was awesome and delivered this amazing energy and I will definitely continue to follow their music in the future.
Unbelievable show. this is my third time seeing Passion Pit, and every time I go it gets better. Michael Angelakos is the most energetic, passionate performer I have ever seen. The crowd gets so pumped in response to his energy. Please go if you get the chance!!