Last Friday, the synth-pop band from Massachusetts came,
played, and killed it!
“Holy sh*t! We’re playing the Greek!” said Passion Pit’s
Michael Angelakos as the Massachusetts band looked out into the sold-out
5,870-seat Greek Theater. The signer repeated the phrase a number of times in
between songs with a childlike expression of wonder and disbelief as he
gallivanted across the stage giving his fans everything he had.
“This is our last run of shows for Gossamer before we go
and make a new album, and this one is for all of you that have supported us,”
he said.
It’s true that the band has performed in numerous venues
and festivals before. However, playing a venue like the Greek, in the heart of
the city of rock, was not just an accomplishment for the group, but an
indication that yes, they are now in the “big leagues.”
The band opened the concert with “Make Light,” from their
debut album Manners. It didn’t matter where you sat or who sat next to you
because it was clear that everyone was ready and eager to get down to the dance
rock bands tunes. They continued to play songs from their first album,
including the “Eyes as Candles,” and the ever catchy “The Reeling,” which is
always a favorite.
Passion Pit are known for their super fun, dynamic shows.
After witnessing them for the first time, in my humble opinion, that is 100%
true. Every time Angelakos strained to wail all the almost perfectly pitched
falsetto notes, it felt as if he was playing singing just for this particular
audience. His warm inviting presence and that along with Drummer Nathan
Donmoyer‘s impeccable timing and passionate bravado interlaced with their
trademark keyboard and synths delivered by Ian Hultquist (keyboards, guitar),
Xander Singh (synthesizer, samples) literally blew your mind!
Later in the set, the group played the R&B styled,
“Constant Conversations,” and while the song is lovely, this crowd was good and
ready for some dance electro under the starts. Many opted to take a quick brake
to run to the restroom or grab a drink.
The group performed “I’ll Be Alright” and “Silvia,” among
other tracks from their latest album,Gossamer. But “Take A Walk,” as expected,
was one of the outstanding moments of the evening. It was so good you almost
forgot that it was the theme song for one of the Taco Bell commercials. From
that point on, it felt like someone had doused the audience with adrenaline and
everyone wanted more.
The energy the entire band gave off was electric and
contagious throughout the evening. As the night came to an end people began to
murmur: “I think they’re closing with ‘Sleepy Head’.”
Not long after, the dreamy electro quiver from their 2008
EP Chunk of Change began and like mass shock therapy, the entire audience
erupted into one big dance spasm. “Sleepy Head” indeed closed the show, and the
band cemented their new “big boy” status while gifting their fans with an
unforgettable experience.
